CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1134366
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit Financial Statements 31 August 2025
MATTOCKS GRINDLEY Chartered Accountants 18 Mulberry Avenue Turnstone Business Park Widnes Cheshire WA8 OWN
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Financial Statements
Year ended 31 August 2025
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|Page|
|Trustees’|annual|report|1|
|Independent|examiner's|report|to|the|trustees|7|
|Statement|of financial|activities|8|
|Statement|of financial|position|9|
|Statement|of cash|flows|10|
|Notes|to|the|financial|statements|11|
|The|following|pages|do|not form|part|of the|financial|statements|
|Detailed|statement|of financial|activities|20|
|Notes|to|the|detailed|statement|of financial|activities|21|
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees’ Annual Report (continue)
Year ended 31 August 2025
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name North Cheshire Methodist Circuit Charity registration number 1134366 Principal office Circuit Superintendent C/o Helsby Methodist Church Chester Road Helsby, Cheshire WA6 0AQ The trustees Mrs Janice Aitken Mr Lawrence Albrighton Mrs Rhian Ankers Mrs Sally Banks Mrs Patricia Barnard Mr John Bell Mrs Sarah Broome Mr John Brown Rev Helen Caine Deacon John Clarke Rev David Copley Rev Alison Crookes Mr Barrie Davidson Mr John Dimelow Deacon Michaela Doherty (Appointed 1 September 2024) Mrs Terri-Ann Dudley Mr Andrew Ellams Rev D Graham Evans Mr Jonathan Ford , Deacon Lynda Gallimore Rev Anne Gibson Mr Michael Gough Rev Gordon Gresswell (Appointed 1 September 2024) Mrs Barbara Guile Mr Michael Hassall Mrs Penelope Hassall Mr Jeremy Heald Rev Clare Heald Mrs Elizabeth Holmes Mrs Norma Hughes Mrs Elizabeth Johnson Mr Alan Johnson Rev Christine Jones Mr Simon Kelly Mrs Jane Krause Mrs Margaret Lambert (Appointed 1 September 2024) Dr Bruce Lane Dr Ruth Lane Rev Jonathan Levitt (Appointed 1 September 2024) Rev Susan Levitt (Appointed 1 September 2024) Rev Dr Tim Macquiban
The trustees
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees’ Annual Report (continued
Year ended 31 August 2025
Independent examiner
Mr R Ken Martin Mr Philip Morrey , Mrs Avis Palmer Miss Kerrie Pimm Mr Alan Pimm Rev Claire Rawlinson (Appointed 31 Mr Michael Rawski (Appointed 31 Mr Lloyd Richards Mrs Judith Richardson Mrs Sheila Roberts Mr Mark Robinson Deacon Suzie Sale Mr Peter Sandercock (Appointed 22 Rev Colin Smith Mrs Diane Smith Mr Marcus Smyth (Appointed 31 Rev Neil Stacey Mrs Shirley Stacey Mrs Ruth Telling (Appointed 1 Mrs Gill Townsend Mrs Ruth Telling (Appointed 1 Mr Alan Ventham Mrs Janet Warrington Mrs Susan Worrall Mr Stuart Clark (Retired 16 Mr Peter Davidson (Retired 21 Mr John Holmes (Retired 1 Mrs Carolynne Maddock (Retired 30 Mrs Ann Wright (Retired 5 June 2025) Mrs Sybil Williams (Retired 24 Mr Eric Wright (Retired 5 June June Rev lan Rigby (Retired 1 Rev Ralph Fennell (Retired 8 June June Mrs Alison Peate (Retired 30 Mrs Sarah Pearson (Retired 14 Mrs Sian Partington (Retired 7 Mr Harold Blundell (Retired 15 Dr Heather Pearson (Appointed 1
(Appointed 31 August 2025) (Appointed 31 August 2025)
(Appointed 22 January 2025)
(Appointed 31 August 2025)
(Appointed 1 September 2024) (Appointed 1 September 2024)
(Retired 16 July 2025) (Retired 21 November 2024) (Retired 1 October 2024) (Retired 30 April 2025) (Retired 5 June 2025) (Retired 24 September 2024) (Retired 5 June June 2025) (Retired 1 September 2024) (Retired 8 June June 2025) (Retired 30 October 2024) (Retired 14 November 2024) (Retired 7 February 2025) (Retired 15 November 2024) (Appointed 1 September 2025)
G Mattocks FCA 18 Mulberry Avenue Turnstone Business Park Widnes Cheshire WA8 OWN
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees’ Annual Report (continuea Year ended 31 August 2025
Structure, governance and management
Introduction
The following pages are designed to give the reader an overview of the purposes of the Charity, of how it conducts itself, of those who were involved in the Charity and draws attention to what has occurred during the past year.
These pages are an introduction to and should be read in conjunction with the detailed financial reports contained later on in the document.
Structure Governance and Management The Chester and Delamere Forest Circuit and the Runcorn Circuit merged from 1st September 2019 and became known as the North Cheshire Methodist Circuit.
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit is part of the Methodist Church in Great Britain (Charity No 1132208) and part of the Chester and Stoke-on-Trent Methodist District which is registered as a separate Charity (No 1132237).
The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976). Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference.
North Cheshire Circuit comprises of the following churches: Blakelees, Bretton, Caldy Valley, Christleton, Frodsham, Garden Lane Chester, Halton Trinity Runcorn, The Heath Runcorn, Helsby, Hoole Chester, The Hurst Kingsley, Kelsall, Norley, Rowton, Saltney, Saughall, Tarporley, Tarvin, Wesley Chester, and Wicksten Drive Runcorn. All churches are separate charitable organisations with Wesley Chester being registered with the Charity Commission, the others are all exempted from registration as they have annual receipts of less than £100,000.
The registered charity named North Cheshire Methodist Circuit is primarily an administration organisation that manages the circuit personnel, housing for ministers, redundant church buildings, and any properties which are rented out pending future use. The Circuit provides guidance and oversight to the individual churches on a wide range of matters including preaching appointments, safeguarding, discipleship and mission, training. Governance is achieved through the Circuit meeting which normally meets four times a year to review all aspects of the Circuit. Trustees are appointed from those holding official positions of the charity plus local church representatives as approved at local church council meetings.
Objectives and activities
Our aims are those of the Methodist Church in Great Britain and the main one is the advancement of the Christian faith through the witness and worship of all our members. We do this in accordance with the doctrines, standards and disciplines of the Methodist Church. The Circuit produces a quarterly preaching plan to ensure regular acts of worship take place at each of our premises. Worship is open to all people and without charge. Our main focus is to mission to the communities we serve through our local churches.
Trustee Training
A range of guidance is produced by the Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the circuit, specifically the leaflet "The Role of a Trustee in the Methodist Church" is given to all new Circuit Meeting members as part of the induction to their role as Trustees.
Circuit Leadership Team
Day to day management of the Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team which delegates certain responsibilities to sub-groups including Stewards, Safeguarding, Lay Worker Reference Group, Local Preachers, and Manse Group.
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Annual Report (continuea)
Year ended 31 August 2025
The Circuit Leadership Team comprised of four full-time presbyters, two full time deacons, and nine Circuit Stewards.
Stewards
The Circuit Stewards are responsible, with the Superintendent and ministers, deacons and probationers appointed to the Circuit, for the spiritual and material wellbeing of the Circuit, and for upholding and acting upon the decisions of the Circuit Meeting.
Circuit Stewards work as a team and share collective responsibility for leadership and specific duties to:
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Exercise a general pastoral care for the presbyters, deacons, probationers and their families.
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Meet with ministers, deacons and probationers as a leadership team at least four times a year, normally before the Circuit Meeting.
« Keep themselves informed of the activities of each local church.
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Be aware of District and Connexional policies affecting the Circuit and its churches.
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Be sensitive to the needs of the Circuit and its officers and staff.
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Inform themselves of developing movements in Methodism and the church generally. Be alert to and take advice on the legal consequences of their office and its responsibilities, for example, issues around lay employment, finance and property.
« Develop a vision and plans for mission within the Circuit, ensuring appropriate consultation.
Safeguarding
The Trustees of the Circuit recognise that the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount. The Circuit has a robust safeguarding policy in place and each of the Churches within the Circuit have approved and adopted a safeguarding policy. These policies apply to trustees, staff and volunteers and provide a commitment to safe recruitment, selection and careful work with children, young people and those who may be vulnerable.
The Circuit Safeguarding Group meet regularly to manage Safeguarding and a written report is presented to each Circuit Meeting.
The Circuit's policy is reviewed annually the last review was by the Circuit Meeting on 21st November 2024.
Public Benefit
The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and confirm that they have complied with the duty of the Charities Act having due regard to public benefit.
Risk Management
There is a regular review of processes undertaken and recorded. Income and Expenditure is monitored and compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves.
Achievements and performance
The Circuit has 16 Methodist Churches, 4 L.E.P.s and two Methodist Homes, all of which have weekly worship on Sundays as well as other occasions during the week. Midweek dementia friendly Services are part of the Circuit and worship with children and families take place in appropriate seasons. .Nearly all Churches have collections for the Food Banks in West Cheshire, Halton Borough and Flintshire, with Helsby operating additional support under the local Council supervision. Asylum seeker support is is initiated through Churches in the Runcorn and Chester areas. Several Churches operate Warm Hubs, which are vital to many, as well as Soup Lunches, coffee mornings and community activities that welcome all. There is support for Homelessness in Chester, new initiatives around active listening in
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 August 2025 Runcorn and participation and support in many schools, faith and non-faith. There is closer ecumenical ties, not just within our L.E.P.s, but across the Circuit with formal collaboration in Kelsall, Churches Together Services and initiatives and regular staff meetings including clergy from other denominations, actively supporting one another. Amongst many other achievements we highlight the 'Doves of Peace’ art installation in Chester Cathedral initiated by Garden Lane Ecumenical partnership that saw 27 nationalities involved in highlighting our shared desire for peace in this world
Provision of worship
We are grateful to our presbyters, local preachers, and worship leaders who offered worship in our churches and Methodist Homes on a regular basis. Some churches continue to streamline their services online with reduced numbers physically attending in the buildings.
Lay Employment
The Circuit supports the employment and management of two lay persons and has also continued to employ Circuit Administrators whose work either includes or covers presbyter's administrative support.
A Lay Worker Reference Group (LWRG), with membership from the Circuit, will oversee the management of staff and carry out review of the work. The District Lay Employment Sub Committee have been approached for support during recent changes to the administrative structure.
Property Matters
The Circuit has recently made a decision to reorganise the arrangements for Manse Group functions in an attempt to make things work more easily and effectively. A pyramid system, where a member of staff is supported by a Circuit Steward and a Manse Group representative, is now in place to create a better working relationship with the member of staff both personally and with the care of their property.
All properties are currently being reviewed to ensure that ownership is compatible with both our present and future needs.
Financial review
Results for the period under review show that the Circuit had a total income of £714,165. Total expenditure amounted to £662,333, showing an overall surplus of £51,832, which was in line with expectations.
The Circuit is looking closely at its financial structure and alongside it the state of finances of the churches who provide income to the Circuit through payment of assessments. The Circuit is aware that the paying of church assessment is falling on fewer and fewer members and that increasing the amount of assessment is probably not possible without causing financial and emotional distress to aging congregations.
A deficit budget had been set for the Circuit for the year 2024/2025 and the profit and loss outturn has very much matched that deficit budget. Keeping church assessments on the low side appears to be helping churches with their finances but evidence to support this should be available as their annual accounts are finalised over the coming months. The Circuit is continuing to review this matter and has set a deficit budget again for the year to August 2026.
Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to three months average expenditure and a maximum of twelve months average expenditure in the general bank accounts. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure and fund planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches
Plans for future periods
The appointment of a new Superintendent, Revd. Gordon Gresswell and a Deacon, Michaela Doherty has enabled a flourishing in the Circuit with new ideas and fresh impetus into existing church and community based activities noticeable. The Circuit is also pleased that they will have a new Presbyter starting in September 2025. Our future planning is focused on 'good governance’ whereby the Circuit's
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees’ Annual Report (continue)
Year ended 31 August 2025
structure allows Churches and missional outreach activities to flourish in safe ways, seeking to bless local communities and be a safe place for all, and especially those on the edges of society such as Asylum Seekers, Refugees, the Homeless, those with mental health issues, the elderly struggling to heat homes and all whose needs can be identified and supported by Church, alongside community groups and statutory authorities who seek assistance in enabling human flourishing. We hope to expand Worship opportunities to more people, not just on Sundays but at other times and we are planning to appoint a Circuit Manager early in 2026 to further help in curating good governance. We also hope to engage with families and young people, a demographic that has not returned to church or community activity in any great numbers since Covid. We have a desire to be there for all, especially in these current times of anxiety we detect in our communities. The trustees’ annual report was approved on BBA [22b ang signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
Rev Gordon Gresswell Superintendent
Michael Hassall Treasurer
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Year ended 31 August 2025
| report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of North Cheshire Methodist Circuit (‘the charity’) for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
| report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. | confirm that | am qualified to undertake the examination because | am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.
| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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_ the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form 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 examination.
| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
G Mattocks FCA
Independent Examiner
18 Mulberry Avenue Turnstone Business Park Widnes Cheshire WA8 OWN
22/2126
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 31 August 2025
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | ||||
| funds | Totalfunds | Total funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 4 | 661,640 | 661,640 | 537,481 |
| Charitable activities | 5 | 15,474 | 15,474 | 34,285 |
| Investment income | 6 | 37,051 | 37,051 | 40,522 |
| Total income | 714,165 | 714,165 | 612,288 | |
| Expenditure | ||||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 7,8 | 662,333 | 662,333 | 644,923 |
| Total expenditure | 662,333 | 662,333 | 644,923 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds | 51,832 | 51,832 | (32,635) | |
| Reconciliation offunds | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | 2,957,605 | 2,957,605 | 2,990,240 | |
| Totalfundscarriedforward | 3,009,437 | 3,009,437 | 2,957,605 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 11 to 18 form part of these financial statements.
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Statement of Financial Position
31 August 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Tangible fixed assets | 13 | 2,226,000 | 2,226,000 | ||
| Investments | 14 | 536,959 | |||
| 2,762,959 | 2,675,614 | ||||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 15 | 22,714 | 21,741 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 337,425 | 383,466 | |||
| 360,139 | 405,207 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 16 | 113,661 | 123,216 | ||
| Net current assets | 246,478 | 281,991 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 3,009,437 | 2,957,605 | |||
| Net assets | 3,009,437 | 2,957,605 | |||
| Funds ofthe charity | |||||
| Unrestricted funds: | |||||
| Revaluation reserve | 1,335,691 | 1,335,691 | |||
| Other unrestricted income funds | 1,673,746 | 1,621,914 | |||
| Total unrestricted funds | 3,009,437 | 2,957,605 | |||
| Totalcharityfunds | 18 | 3,009,437 | 2,957,605 |
These easy statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 23.12.1292 and are signed on behalf of the board by:
Rev Gordon Gresswell Superintendent
Michael Hassall Treasurer
The notes on pages 11 to 18 form part of these financial statements.
~Q9-
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Statement of Cash Flows
Year ended 31 August 2025
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||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Cash|flows from|operating|activities|
|Net|income/(expenditure)|51,832|(32,635)|
|Adjustments|for:|
|Other|interest|receivable and|similar|income|(37,051)|(40,522)|
|Interest|payable|and|similar|charges|115|-|
|Accrued|(income)/expenses|(10,095)|19,870|
|Changes|in:|
|Trade|and|other|debtors|(973)|(8,972)|
|Trade|and|other|creditors|540|(2,972)|
|Cash|generated|from|operations|4,368|(65,231)|
|Interest|paid|(115)|~|
|Interest|received|37,051|40,522|
|Net|cash|from/{used|in)|operating|activities|41,304|(24,709)|
|Cash|flows from|investing|activities|
|Purchases|of other|investments|(88,388)|(27,970)|
|Proceeds|from|sale|of other|investments|1,043|30,952|
|Net cash|(used|in)/from|investing|activities|(87,345)|2,982|
|Net|decrease|in|cash|and|cash|equivalents|(46,041)|(21,727)|
|Cash|and|cash|equivalents|at|beginning|of year|383,466|405,193|
|Cash|and|cash|equivalents|at end|of year|337,425|383,466|
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The notes on pages 11 to 18 form part of these financial statements.
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 31 August 2025
1. General information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Finance Steward, C/o, Helsby Methodist Church, Chester Road, Helsby, Cheshire., WA6 0AQ.
2. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland’, the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.
- Accounting policies
VAT
Since the Circuit is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers.
Basis of preparation
These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost except that investments are shown at their market value at the end of the year, on the accruals basis to showa true and fair view of the Circuit's financial position and activities.
Debtors and prepayments
Debtors relate to the prepayment of utilities charges.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Creditor
Creditors include both sundry expenses and specifically the 1st quarter assessment received in August.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements (continueg)
Year ended 31 August 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.
Incoming resources
Income
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, and the trustees. are reasonably certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Resources expended
This is recognised whena liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, that results in the payment being unavoidable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing the Circuit to pay out resources.
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Circuit to pay out resources, Future income has not been anticipated (SORP 2005).
Tangible assets
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £1,000. The freehold property is shown in the accounts at 2016 deemed values. No depreciation is provided on the building because the trustees consider the current residual fair value of the manse buildings (on the assumption that it had reached the end of its useful economic life by the year-end) to be not less than its current value. Any depreciation would not be material. The property has been reviewed for impairment.
Investments
Unlisted equity investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently measured at fair value. if fair value cannot be reliably measured, assets are measured at cost less impairment.
Listed investments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in income or expenditure.
Investments in associates
Investments in associates accounted for in accordance with the cost model are recorded at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements (continueg)
Year ended 31 August 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Investments in associates (continued)
Investments in associates accounted for in accordance with the fair value model are initially recorded at the transaction price. At each reporting date, the investments are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value taken through income or expenditure. Where it is impracticable to measure fair value reliably the cost model will be adopted.
Dividends and other distributions received from the investment are recognised as income without regard to whether the distributions are from accumulated profits of the associate arising before or after the date of acquisition.
Investments in joint ventures
Investments in jointly controlled entities accounted for in accordance with the cost model are recorded at cost less any accumulated impairment losses,
Investments in jointly controlled entities accounted for in accordance with the fair value model are initially recorded at the transaction price. At each reporting date, the investments are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value taken through income or expenditure. Where it is impracticable to measure fair value reliably the cost model will be adopted.
Dividends and other distributions received from the investment are recognised as income without regard to whether the distributions are from accumulated profits of the joint venture arising before or after the date of acquisition.
Impairment of fixed assets
A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Defined contribution plans
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.
When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements (continueg)
Year ended 31 August 2025
4. Donations and legacies
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|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|
|Funds|2025|Funds|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Donations|
|Assessment|or|Share|395,759|395,759|435,935|435,935|
|Church|contribution|-|cost|of|
|layworkers|12,869|12,869|56,484|56,484|
|Other|grants|and|donations|3,063|3,063|4,574|4,574|
|Sale|of church|204,048|204,048|15,000|15,000|
|Other|income|42,558|42,558|-|-|
|Legacies|
|Legacies|3,343|3,343|25,488|25,488|
|661,640|661,640|537,481|537,481|
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|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|5.|Charitable|activities|
|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|
|Funds|2025|Funds|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Rental|income|15,474|15,474|34,285|34,285|
|6.|Investment|income|
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||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|
|Funds|2025|Funds|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Bank|interest|receivable|13,428|13,428|18,417|18,417|
|Investment|income|23,623|23,623|22,105|22,105|
|37,051|37,051|40,522|40,522|
|7.|Expenditure|on|charitable|activities|by fund type|
|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|
|Funds|2025|Funds|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Direct|charitable|activities|660,566|660,566|643,207|643,207|
|Support|costs|1,767|1,767|1,716|1,716|
|662,333|662,333|644,923|644,923|
|8.|Expenditure|on|charitable|activities|by|activity type|
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||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Activities|
|undertaken|Support|Totalfunds|Total|fund|
|directly|costs|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Direct|charitable|activities|660,566|_|660,566|643,207|
|Governance|costs|a|1,767|1,767|1,716|
|660,566|1,767|662,333|644,923|
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North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements (continueg)
Year ended 31 August 2025
9. Auditors remuneration
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||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Fees|payable|for the|audit|of the|financial|statements|1,600|1,600|
|10.|Independent|examination|fees|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Fees|payable|to|the|independent|examiner|for:|||
|Independent|examination|of the|financial|statements|1,600|1,600|
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11. Staff costs
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|The|total|staff costs|and|employee|benefits|for the|reporting|period|are|analysed|as|follows:|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Wages|and|salaries|286,782|301,250|
|Social|security|costs|18,059|14,412|
|Employer|contributions|to|pension|plans|2,117|3,571|
|306,958|319,233|
----- End of picture text -----
The average head count of employees during the year was 12 (2024: 10). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:
==> picture [412 x 31] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|Number|of|staff|No.|12|No.|10|
----- End of picture text -----
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Presbyters and Deacons 8, Lay Mission Employees 2, Circuit Administrators 2
No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: Nil).
12. Trustee remuneration and expenses
Eight of the trustees receive remuneration connected to work done within the charity. No other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees.
13. Tangible fixed assets
==> picture [413 x 130] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Land|and|
|buildings|
|£|
|Cost|
|At|1|September 2024|and|31|August|2025|2,226,000|
|Depreciation|
|At|1|September 2024 and|31|August|2025|-|
|Carrying|amount|
|At|31|August 2025|2,226,000|
|At|31|August|2024|2,226,000|
----- End of picture text -----
- 15 -
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements (continueg
Year ended 31 August 2025
13. Tangible fixed assets (continued)
Tangible fixed assets held at valuation
Included in the tangible fixed assets is an amount of £2,226,000 representing the valuation of properties held in the name of the charity, and shown inclusive of a revaluation effective at 31 August 2023.
The trustees have elected to state the value of the properties at an amount provided by an independent professional valuer, less those amounts falling due for payment to the Methodist Church of Great Britain upon the sale of each of the properties.
14. Investments
| Cash or | |
|---|---|
| cash | |
| equivalents | |
| £ | |
| Cost or valuation | |
| At1September 2024 Additions Disposals |
449,614 88,388 (1,043) |
| At 31 August 2025 | 536,959 |
| Impairment | |
| At 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025 | |
| Carrying amount | |
| At 31 August 2025 | 536,959 |
| At31August2024 | 449,614 |
All investments shown above are held at valuation.
The value of listed investments at 31 August 2025 is shown inclusive of the TMCP- Circuit Model Trust Fund, which had previously been included as cash at bank. Corresponding adjustments have been made to the comparative figures.
15. Debtors
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 15,298 | 14,325 |
| Otherdebtors | 7,416 | 7,416 |
| 22,714 | 21,741 |
16. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Trade creditors | 18,093 | 17,553 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 95,568 | 105,663 |
| 113,661 | 123,216 |
- 16 =
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements (continueg)
Year ended 31 August 2025
17. Pensions and other post retirement benefits
Defined contribution plans
The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £2,117 (2024: £3,571).
18. Analysis of charitable funds
Unrestricted funds
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At | At | ||||
| 1 September | 31 August | ||||
| 2024 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds - | |||||
| General funds | 1,220,049 | 487,738 | (582,018) | 63,275 | 1,189,044 |
| Unrestricted funds - | |||||
| Circuit Model Trust | |||||
| Fund | 401,865 | 226,427 | (80,315) | (63,275) | 484,702 |
| Revaluation reserve | 1,335,691 | - | — | - | 1,335,691 |
| 2,957,605 | 714,165 | (662,333) | - | 3,009,437 | |
| At | |||||
| 1 September | At 31 August | ||||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds - | |||||
| General funds | 1,222,803 | 575,307 | (614,061) | 36,000 | 1,220,049 |
| Unrestricted funds - | |||||
| Circuit Model Trust | |||||
| Fund | 431,746 | 36,981 | (30,862) | (36,000) | 401,865 |
| Revaluation reserve | 1,335,691 | _ | ~ | a | 1,335,691 |
| 2,990,240 | 612,288 | (644,923) | - | 2,957,605 |
-17 -
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements (continueg)
Year ended 31 August 2025
19. Analysis of net assets between funds
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----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|
|Funds|2025|
|£|£|
|Tangible|fixed|assets|2,226,000|2,226,000|
|Investments|536,959|536,959|
|Current|assets|360,139|360,139|
|Creditors|less|than|1|year|(113,661)|(113,661)|
|Net|assets|3,009,437|3,009,437|
|Unrestricted|Total|Funds|
|Funds|2024|
|£|£|
|Tangible|fixed|assets|2,226,000|2,226,000|
|Investments|47,749|47,749|
|Current|assets|807,072|807,072|
|Creditors|less|than|1|year|(123,216)|(123,216)|
|Net|assets|2,957,605|2,957,605|
----- End of picture text -----
20. Financial instruments
Financial instruments are recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
21. Analysis of changes in net debt
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----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|At|At|
|1|Sep|2024|Cashflows|31|Aug|2025|
|£|£|£|
|Cash|at bank|and|in|hand|383,466|(46,041)|337,425|
----- End of picture text -----
22. Related parties
Included in the wages and salaries figure of £286,782, in the financial statements, is the amount of £173,951 (2024:£151 ,886), paid in relation to work within the Circuit of 8 (2024:7) of the trustees. North Cheshire Methodist Circuit has no payroll. All staff are employed by the Methodist Church of Great Britain with amounts being recharged to North Cheshire Methodist Circuit for their work connected to Circuit activities,
- 18 -
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit Management Information Year ended 31 August 2025
The following pages do not form part of the financial statements.
LJ 19 ”
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 31 August 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Assessment or Share | 395,759 | 435,935 |
| Church contribution - costoflayworkers | 12,869 | 56,484 |
| Other grants and donations | 3,063 | 4,574 |
| Sale of church | 204,048 | 15,000 |
| Other income | 42,558 | - |
| Legacies | 3,343 | 25,488 |
| 661,640 | 537,481 | |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Rental income | 15,474 | 34,285 |
| Investment income | ||
| Bank interest receivable | 13,428 | 18,417 |
| Investment income | 23,623 | 22,105 |
| 37,051 | 40,522 | |
| Totalincome | 714,165 | 612,288 |
| Expenditure | ||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| Wages and salaries | 286,782 | 301,250 |
| Employer's NIC | 18,059 | 14,412 |
| Pension costs | 2,117 | 3,571 |
| Rates and water | 27,811 | 26,427 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 50,341 | 58,364 |
| Insurance | 6,435 | 6,941 |
| Other establishment | 1,420 | 2,070 |
| Other motor/travel costs | 9,877 | 8,644 |
| Legal and professional fees | 2,192 | 1,776 |
| Telephone | 4,657 | 4,732 |
| Other office costs | 8,171 | 16,632 |
| Other interest payable and similar charges | 115 | oa |
| District assessment | 108,406 | 105,249 |
| Circuit/district payments | 21,390 | 23,631 |
| CPF tevy taken | 58,031 | 6,000 |
| Other grants and donations | 56,529 | 65,224 |
| 662,333 | 644,923 | |
| Total expenditure | 662,333 | 644,923 |
| Netincome/(expenditure) | 51,832 | (32,635) |
~ 20 «
North Cheshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 31 August 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| Direct charitable activities | ||
| Activities undertaken directly | ||
| Wages and salaries | 286,782 | 301,250 |
| Employer's NIC | 18,059 | 14,412 |
| Pension costs | 2,117 | 3,571 |
| Utilities Repairs & maintenance |
27,811 50,341 |
26,427 58,364 |
| Insurance | 6,435 | 6,941 |
| Other establishment costs | 1,420 | 2,070 |
| Other motor/travel costs | 9,877 | 8,644 |
| Legal and professionalfees | 540 | 60 |
| Telephone | 4,657 | 4,732 |
| Other office costs | 8,171 | 16,632 |
| District assessment | 108,406 | 105,249 |
| Circuit/district payments | 21,390 | 23,631 |
| CPF levy taken | 58,031 | 6,000 |
| Other grants and donations | 56,529 | 65,224 |
| 660,566 | 643,207 | |
| Governance costs | ||
| Governance costs - accountancy fees | 1,652 | 1,600 |
| Governance costs - audit fees | - | 116 |
| Bank charges | 115 | os |
| 1,767 | 1,716 | |
| Expenditureoncharitableactivities | 662,333 | 644,923 |
~ 21.