2025-08-31-accounts - York Methodist Circuit

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Charity number: 1134381

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

HPH Chartered Accountants 54 Bootham YORK YO30 7XZ

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

CONTENTS	Page
Trustees' report	1 - 8
Independent auditor's report on the financial statements	9 - 11
Statement of financial activities	12
Balance sheet	13
Statement of cash flows	14
Notes to the financial statements	15 - 27

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the York Methodist Circuit for the year 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts 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 published in October 2019.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CIRCUIT, ITS CIRCUIT MINISTERS AND ADVISERS

The Trustees who served the charity during the period and to the date of this report were as follows:

Circuit Ministers

Revd David Bidnell, Superintendent (resigned 31 August 2025) Revd Elizabeth Cushion Revd Rory Dalgliesh Revd John Hayward (trustee throughout the period and appointed as Superintendent from 1 September 2025) Revd Alex Middleton-Laing (appointed 1 September 2025) Deacon Katie Paterson (appointed 1 September 2025) Revd Jill Pullan (appointed 1 September 2025) Revd John Schofield (resigned 31 August 2025) Deacon Judith Stoddart (resigned 31 August 2025)

Circuit Stewards

Mrs Janet Bowling, Senior steward Mr Nick Dawson, Treasurer Mrs Sally Gall Ms Sue Gill Mrs Gail Lazenby (appointed 1 September 2024) Mr Vic Paylor (resigned 31 August 2025) Mrs Ann Smallwood

Church Representatives to Circuit Council

Circuit Council Secretary – Stephen Leah Acaster Malbis - Graham Langton Acomb –Richard Grosberg Bishopthorpe - Malcolm Parker Central – Vacant Clifton - Christopher Rouse Clifton Moor - David Anderson Copmanthorpe - Russ Smallwood Easingwold – Sue Gill Haxby & Wigginton - John Freeman Heslington - Ruth Schofield (resigned 31 August 2025), Alison Morley (appointed 1 September 2025) Hessay - Kathryn Wright Heworth - Peter Kitchin Holgate - Richard Storer (resigned 31 August 2025)

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CIRCUIT, ITS CIRCUIT MINISTERS AND ADVISERS (continued)

Church Representatives to Circuit Council (continued)

Huntington – George Garbutt (appointed September 2024) Lidgett - Rosamond Carter Poppleton - Sheila Middleton Rufforth - Karen Valentine (to 31 August 2025 when the Church closed) Sheriff Hutton – Eric Hayhurt (resigned September 2024), Gail Lazenby (appointed September 2024) Southlands - David Whittaker (resigned 31 August 2025), Catherine Lands (appointed 1 September 2025) Strensall - June Taylor Villages Together – Sally Gall West Thorpe - Chris Jarratt

Charity registered number

1134381

Principal office

York Methodist Circuit Hub, Melbourne Terrace Methodist Church, Cemetery Road, YORK, YO10 5AF

Independent auditor

HPH, Chartered Accountants, 54 Bootham, YORK, YO30 7XZ

Bankers

CAF Bank, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, KENT, ME19 4JQ

Central Board of Finance of the Methodist Church, 9 Bonhill Street, LONDON, EC2A 4PE

Investment managers and custodian trustees

Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, Central Buildings, Oldham Street, MANCHESTER, M1 1JQ

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Policies and objectives

The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the date of the union the advancement of:

The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church, and
Any charitable purposes for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church, and
Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church, and
Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary of the Methodist Church.

In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year, the Circuit Council meets about four times in each year and as managing trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion and conforms to the Charities Act 2011.

Details on how the Circuit carries out its activities for the public benefit are given in the sections on Achievements and Performance and Plans for the Future below.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (continued)

Grant making policies

There are three types of grants paid by the Circuit, all of which are approved based on the applicants meeting certain criteria.

Non-property grants are applied for by Churches from the Model Trust Money (MTM), the case must be presented in writing for consideration by the MTM Group which is then passed to the Circuit Council for approval.
Small grants can be applied for in relation to training of Ministers, lay staff or church members. Applications are made to the Circuit Financial Steward.
Property grants are dealt with through the Methodist Connexion by way of an online application system.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Main achievements of the Circuit

York continues to be a busy and lively Circuit, with a number of specialist working groups which assist the Circuit Council and Circuit Stewards in particular areas of the Circuit’s life. These include property, lay employment, and safeguarding. In addition, we form other groups where necessary, for example to organise events.

The Circuit Hub continues to operate in Melbourne Terrace and hosts meetings and offices for support staff. Also, the building is used by Refugee Action York to support those living in the city and seeking asylum, and York Learning (part of the city council) to support both refugees and local families. Activities include language classes and opportunities for practical help and advice.

The former church properties at Trinity Methodist Church and New Earswick Methodist Church have both been sold in the latter half of 2024. The former Stamford Bridge Methodist Church property is currently on the market, while legal work is ongoing to sell the former church property at Dunnington, and preparatory work to sell the former church property at Rufforth.

Two of our surplus manses continue to be rented out via City of York Council for use by a Syrian family and a family with the Afghan resettlement scheme.

The Circuit has set up a Circuit Eco Task Force to work towards achieving Eco Circuit status and support local churches who want to become eco churches.

Plans for the future

The Circuit Leadership Team continues to review work in the Circuit and bring proposals for changes based on the findings of the Circuit Consultation. The Circuit Council directed that planning for the resourcing of the Circuit from 2025 should be based on a reduced number of Church Governing bodies. Work is ongoing to affirm church buildings in their current use, to be sold or other uses explored.

The process of selling some of our properties is ongoing and that will assist in financing future projects. Two of our unused manses will continue to be rented to City of York Council for housing refugee families. The Hub is available for other city centre needs.

Staffing (Lay and ordained) will be organised in ways that encourages use of specialist gifts and passions. Churches have been grouped together to encourage thinking about decisions regarding future work, people, governance and buildings. In the summer of 2025, we said goodbye to Revds David Bidnell and John Schofield and to Deacon Judith Stoddart as they moved on to new circuits. In September 2025 we welcomed Revds Jill Pullan and Alex Middleton-Laing and Deacon Kate Paterson, as well as recognising Revd John Hayward taking over as Superintendent. We are fortunate to be supported by the work of Lois Cross (Circuit Support Manager) and Angie Creswick (Circuit Resources Manager).

Carecent, based at Central Methodist Church continues to work with homeless people in York, providing a daily breakfast service and support. Around 40-50 customers attend each day supported by around 80 volunteers working different shifts each week.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

‘Growing in Christ’ continues to be our challenge. Churches work hard to try to meet the needs of local communities as far as they can. Activities include community cafes and monthly film shows. A number of churches have ‘Warm spaces’ to help people in colder weather.

We give thanks for the ongoing work of people and churches in our Circuit and appreciate the prayer support. We pray and seek God’s guidance with our plans for the future.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Review of results

The Circuit Account includes:

The General Fund is the main operating account through which the expenditure and revenue for both operational and strategic purposes were handled.
The Circuit Model Trust Fund which primarily arises from the sale of buildings no longer required within the Circuit. Under Conference directions the Fund can be used for any purpose supporting the mission of the Church. Applications have to be made to the Circuit Council.
The various restricted funds which are detailed within the notes to the accounts.
The endowment fund holds money which cannot be spent but must be retained (as capital) to generate an income.

There were no significant events during the year and the trustees of the Circuit have every reason to believe that the Circuit is a going concern, principally because Churches continue to meet the majority of the assessment and the Circuit has adequate reserves to cover a shortfall in anticipated income. The Trustees do not foresee any factors that will significantly affect the financial performance or position in the next year or two and for these reasons they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

As at 31 August 2025 the Circuit held 14 (16 in 2024) freehold properties being 10 manses; 30 The Village, Haxby; the former Melbourne Terrace Methodist Church buildings, and the former Methodist Church buildings at Dunnington and Stamford Bridge. As of 1st September 2025 the former Methodist Church at Rufforth has been transferred to the Circuit.

The Circuit has the following principal sources of funds:

Interest on investments
The Circuit Model Trust Fund
Assessments on Churches within the Circuit

These sums are used to administer and facilitate the work of the Circuit.

Incoming resources for the year amounted to £860,256 (2024: £988,406). The total resources expended were £929,616 (2024: £908,715). After taking account of a gain on investment assets of £885 (2024: £7,269) and the property valuation being unchanged (2024: unchanged), the Circuit has a net deficit for the year of £68,475 (2024: net surplus £86,960)

After taking into account property acquisitions and disposals in the year, net cash outgoing totalled £88,158 (2024: net cash incoming 79,065). The free reserves held by the Circuit as at 31 August 2025 totalled £591,460 (2024: £659,281).

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

ANNUAL TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Reserves level and policy

The reserves policy for the York Methodist Circuit is to hold a sum equivalent to 6 months average unrestricted expenditure. Taking into account that some of the expenditure in the year is directly recharged to other Churches and the District, this amount is estimated to be in the region of £400,000. This is believed to be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure and/or be able to continue in the short term funding planned activities in the event of an inability to raise the full circuit assessment from churches. It is also necessary to hold sufficient funds to enable the payment of stipends and expenses for the ministers and lay workers and our contribution to the District and Connexion.

Free reserves, being those funds which are not restricted by the donor, designated as functional fixed assets by the Trustees or designated for a particular purpose by the Trustees, amounted to £591,460. The Trustees recognise that this is higher than the reserves policy and will ensure these are applied to the charitable purposes.

All funds are separately invested either in CFB (Central Finance Board) or TMCP (Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes). No money is directly invested in property, securities or other forms of investment.

Collaborative arrangements with connected charities

The Circuit's main source of funding is the assessment obtained from each Church within the Circuit based on membership, offerings, gift aid and lettings which is used to defray most of the cost of administering the Circuit.

It also meets the District and Connexional assessments.

There is a District levy on the Circuit Model Trust Fund based on the size of the fund at the start of the connexional year (1 September). In 2025 this sum was £35,225 (2024: £36,384) and was credited to the District Advance Fund.

Investment policy and performance

To comply with Methodist standing orders, monies for long term investment are held by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) who also act as Custodian Trustees for Circuit property, for all large bequests and for the proceeds of sale of any property formerly owned by the Circuit or Churches. These sums are invested in unitised investments or held on deposit. The investment returns are close to tracking the movements in the FTSE100 index. The deposit income mirrors the deposit rates available elsewhere. The Circuit Trustees' investment policy is aligned with that of the Central Finance Board (CFB) and TMCP because these organisations take into consideration the social, environmental and ethical considerations, both negatively and positively, that make investments suitable for the Methodist Church.

Short term deposits are lodged directly with the CFB and attract good rates of interest.

There are no benchmarks for the expected returns or appreciation on investments at TMCP and CFB. It is the Circuit's policy to manage the cash and investment resources of the Circuit so that a rate of return on investment — both by way of dividend and capital appreciation — is obtained at least as good as market rate considering the Circuit's low appetite for risk.

Going concern

The Trustees have prepared forecasts of income and expenditure for the period to 31 August 2026 and beyond and subjected these forecasts to sensitivity analysis which shows that they have sufficient reserves to be able to continue for the foreseeable future. They will continue to monitor the impact on income and take appropriate action as necessary.

For the reasons set out above the trustees therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation for these financial statements.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Constitution

The Circuit is an unincorporated charity and is governed under Deed of Union (1932) and the Methodist Church Act (1976) and was registered with the Charity Commission in 2010.

Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the Circuit is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the constitution.

Induction and training of Trustees

A range of guidance is produced by the Methodist Connexion and the leaflet 'The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church' is given to each Trustee.

In this year the Circuit was staffed by 6 (5.8 full time equivalents) Ministers (7 in 2024) and 8 (5.1 full time equivalents) Lay Employees (5.5 FTE in 2024).

Structure

The Circuit is part of the Yorkshire North & East District and is accountable to the Methodist Conference. It pays the stipends of the ministers and employs lay staff. The Methodist Conference meets once each year as the supreme denominational body for all Methodist Churches.

Overall regulatory authority rests with the Methodist Conference and Connexional Council.
The Connexional Office implements decisions made by Conference and is also responsible for the stationing of presbyters and deacons in the Circuit.
Conference decisions are passed through the District to the Circuit for implementation by the Superintendent Minister, ministerial staff and Circuit Stewards, and authority is delegated to the Circuit Council for certain matters.
The Circuit Council passes regulatory control to Church Councils for local implementation by the presbyter, the Church Stewards, and other officers, and this regulatory authority is then exercised by Church Councils as Managing Trustees of the Charity.

The following Methodist Churches were linked to the Circuit during the year: Acaster Malbis, Acomb, Bishopthorpe, Central, Clifton, Clifton Moor LEP, Copmanthorpe, Easingwold, Haxby & Wigginton, Heslington LEP, Hessay, Heworth, Holgate, Huntington (including Thornton-Le-Clay), Lidgett Grove, Poppleton, Rufforth, Sheriff Hutton, Southlands, Strensall, Villages Together, and West Thorpe.

Purpose of the Circuit

The Circuit is an expression, over a wider geographical area than the local Church, of the Connexional character of the Church.

The primary purpose of this Circuit is to advance the mission of the Church in York and the surrounding area:

by providing opportunities for Churches to work together and support each other
by offering support and expertise.

The Circuit serves the Local Churches and the Conference in the support, deployment and oversight of the various ministries of the Church, and in programmes of training.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

ANNUAL TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

Governance

The Circuit operates within a statutory framework of regulation and seeks to ensure that it follows Methodist Standing Orders. It relies on the Connexional Office at 25 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SF to provide guidance on changes that could affect the Circuit and its Churches.

The Circuit operates within standing orders Section 58 (Circuits with Modified Constitutions) set up in September 2013 for the running of the York Circuit of the Methodist Church and which was updated in July 2018. The Circuit Council which replaced the Circuit Meeting includes an elected representative from each Church. This group meets about once every three months and is the decision making body for the circuit.

The Trustees are appointed by local churches and existing trustees. Ministers and Circuit Stewards are automatically trustees.

Risk management

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Circuit is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Circuit, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.

The Circuit identifies and monitors the key risks it faces, which are held on a risk register. The main risks and mitigations have been identified as follows:

Ongoing risk around future assessment, and the ability of Churches to continue to make their payments. This risk is always present and is managed through ongoing dialogue with Churches about their assessment for future years. The evidence of the last few years suggests that this is not currently proving a major challenge for most churches, and this is discussed at an annual meeting with Church Treasurers. Several churches have closed or merged in recent years, which has had some impact on the assessment. This is mitigated by the annual review of the assessment and circuit budget, as well as the replenishment of reserves through the sale of churches.
There is always an ongoing risk around safeguarding, and this is managed through the Methodist Church’s Safer Recruitment policy, including DBS checks and mandatory training for volunteers. The Circuit’s approach to this is outlined in a separate Safeguarding Policy. Currently we are attempting to recruit for a new Circuit Safeguarding officer and in the interim the Circuit Support Manager is overseeing safer recruitment and the Regional Officer of Safeguarding is available for referring concerns.
There is a risk that there will be insufficient Ministerial staff over the next five years to meet the needs of the Circuit. However, the appointment of three new ministers on five year terms from September 2025 has reduced this risk for the next few years.
It is recognised that there is a risk that delays in selling Church property could result in Circuit reserves being depleted faster than planned. However, several properties have been sold over recent years, including Stillingfleet, New Earswick and Trinity, while legal processes to enable Stamford Bridge, Dunnington and Rufforth to be sold soon are being undertaken by the Circuit Resources Manager and Circuit Support Manager.

Responsibilities of the Circuit

to formulate and promote policies which will advance the mission of the Church in the Circuit and Local Churches and, in particular, to supervise the use of resources of personnel, property and finance and to assist Local Churches where necessary.
to encourage inter-Church and ecumenical co-operation.
to keep within its purview all Circuit concerns not dealt with elsewhere.
to contribute and respond, as the case may be, to the development of Connexional policies as reflected in the work of the Conference and to carry out its other responsibilities with any such developments in mind.
to consider potential risks and take professional advice as required. There is regular review process.
to adopt a Safeguarding Policy and ensure it is rolled out to the Churches.
to be constantly aware of the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission.

Information on fundraising practices

The charity has not carried out any fundraising activities in the year nor has it instructed any persons on its behalf to do this .

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

ANNUAL TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

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 & 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 Circuit and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Circuit will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Circuit's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Circuit 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 Circuit and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of information to the auditor

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditor is unaware, and
that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Revd John Hayward, Superintendent

Date: 11 March 2026

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of York Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2025, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of 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:

give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 August 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

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 trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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 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 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees’ report; or
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 8, 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 liquidate the charity or 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.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the charity operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Charities SORP (FRS102) 2019 and The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church 2024. We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the charity’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charity for fraud. The laws and regulations we considered in this context for the UK operations were Employment legislation, Charity Commission regulations and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be the override of controls by management and income recognition. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, proof in total testing of assessment income, detailed substantive testing on the completeness of other sources of income, posting of journals, and reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

These inherent limitations are particularly significant in the case of misstatement resulting from fraud as this may involve sophisticated schemes designed to avoid detection, including deliberate failure to record transactions, collusion or the provision of intentional misrepresentations.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

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.

......................................

HPH Chartered Accountants 54 Bootham YORK YO30 7XZ

Date: 17 March 2026

HPH 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.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Unrestricted Funds 2025 £ 18,794 605,206 79,512 36,654	Restricted Funds 2025 £ 106,156 1,556 - 12,367	Total Funds 2025 £ 124,950 606,762 79,512 49,032	Total Funds 2024 £ 213,653 621,457 97,476 55,820
740,166	120,079	860,256	988,406
809,534	120,080	929,616	908,715
809,534	120,080	929,616	908,715
809	75	885	7,269
(68,559)	74	(68,475)	86,960
738	(729)	-	-
(67,821)	(655)	(68,475)	86,960
-	-	-	-
£ (67,821)	£ (655)	£ (68,475)	£ 86,960
6,879,256 (67,821)	403,489 (655)	7,283,249 (68,475)	7,196,289 86,960
£ 6,811,435	£ 402,834	£ 7,214,774	£ 7,283,249

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 15 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

2025 £ 6,066,226 83,362	35,250 1,236,767	2024 £ 6,066,226 82,477
		6,148,703 1,134,546
	1,272,017 (137,471)

£ 7,214,774		£ 7,283,249
505 402,834 591,460 6,219,975		504 403,489 659,281 6,219,975
£ 7,214,774		£ 7,283,249

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 11 March 2026 and signed on their behalf by:

Revd John Hayward, Superintendent

The notes on pages 15 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Note Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities 19 Cash flows from investing activities: Dividends and interest from investments Proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets Net cash provided by investing activities Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year	2025 £ (153,773) 49,032 16,583 65,615 (88,158) 1,236,767 £ 1,148,609	2024 £ (41,419)
		55,820 64,664
		120,484
		79,065 1,157,702
		£ 1,236,767

The notes on pages 15 to 27 form part of these financial statements

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

The York Methodist Circuit is an unincorporated charity registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 2 of these financial statements. The nature of the Circuit's operations and activities are those of a Methodist Circuit.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Basis of preparation of the financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared 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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and 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 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 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

York Methodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

b) Going Concern

The Trustees have prepared forecasts of income and expenditure for the period to 31 August 2025 and beyond and subjected these forecasts to sensitivity analysis which shows that they have sufficient reserves to be able to continue for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the Trustees have not identified any material uncertainties which in their view cast a significant doubt over the going concern of the Circuit. They will continue to monitor the impact on income and take appropriate action as necessary. The Trustees therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation for these financial statements.

c) Income

All income is recognised once the Circuit has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Circuit has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy is recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Circuit, can be reliably measured.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

d) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises that results in the payment being unavoidable. Resources expended include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Circuit's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

e) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Circuit; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

f) Taxation

As a charity, York Methodist Circuit is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within the available tax exemptions to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No direct tax charges have arisen in the Circuit. The Circuit suffers VAT on expenses which is not recoverable.

g) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Freehold property:

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the revaluation model, tangible fixed assets whose fair value can be measured reliably shall be carried at a revalued amount, being their fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the end of the reporting date.

Fair values are determined from market-based evidence by appraisal with reference to local, similar property sales and the ONS Property Index. If there is no market-based evidence of fair value because of the specialised nature of the tangible fixed asset and it is rarely sold, except as part of a contributing business, fair value is estimated using an income or depreciated replacement cost approach.

Gains and losses on revaluation are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA), with a separate revaluation reserve being shown in the Statement of funds note 17.

Depreciation is not provided on freehold properties as it is the Circuit's policy to maintain the property in good repair. Consequently, the trustees consider the life of the properties to be so long that there is no significant annual depreciation.

Items costing less than £5,000 are written off as an expense as acquired and are not capitalised.

h) Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘gains/(losses) on investments’ in the SOFA.

Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable and any gains or losses on revaluation at the year end are shown in the SOFA.

i) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

j) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months of less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit of similar account.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

k) Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount that the Circuit anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

l) Financial instruments

The Circuit only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

m) Employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the Circuit, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

The Circuit operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Circuit to the fund in respect of the year.

n) Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Circuit for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are expendable funds which are held on trust to be retained for the benefit of the Circuit as a capital fund. Any capital gains or losses arising on the investments form part of the fund. Investment management charges and legal advice relating to the fund are charged against the fund.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND AREAS OF JUDGEMENT

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

The Circuit makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

The main assumption concerning the future of the Circuit is that the assessment income will continue to be sufficient to meet the costs of stipends, salaries and manse maintenance. The annual budget, approved by the Circuit meeting, includes sums necessary for covering these costs. This is then allocated among each Church in the Circuit, hence the income is dependent upon the Churches' ability to meet the assessment.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

4. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Assets transferred from ceasing churches Donations, including Gift Aid Grants Legacies	Unrestricted Funds £ 16,583 35 2,176 - £ 18,794	Restricted Funds £ - 106,156 - - £ 106,156	2025 £ 16,583 106,191 2,176 -	2024 £ 76,036 115,737 12,380 9,500
			£ 124,950	£ 213,653

In 2024 income from donations and legacies amounting to £137,617 related to restricted funds.

5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Circuit assessment Recharge for Lay Workers Carecent services	Unrestricted Funds £ 543,340 - 61,866 £ 605,206	Restricted Funds £ - 1,556 - £ 1,556	2025 £ 543,340 1,556 61,866	2024 £ 523,783 4,332 93,342
			£ 606,762	£ 621,457

In 2024 income from charitable activities amounting to £4,332 related to restricted funds.

6. INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Income from non charitable trading activities

Lettings Other income	Unrestricted Funds £ 75,242 4,270 £ 79,512	2025 £ 75,242 4,270	2024 £ 92,754 4,722
		£ 79,512	£ 97,476

In 2024 all income from other trading activities related to unrestricted funds.

7. INVESTMENT INCOME

Central Finance Board Other investments	Unrestricted Funds £ 2,633 34,021 £ 36,654	Restricted Funds £ 1,569 10,798 £ 12,367	Endowment Funds £ - 11 £ 11	2025 £ 4,202 44,830	2024 £ 2,263 53,557
				£ 49,032	£ 55,820

In 2024 income from investments amounting to £9,018 related to restricted funds and £14 to endowment funds.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

8. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Summary by fund type

*ummary by fund type*
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment
	Funds	Funds	Funds		2025	2024
	£	£	£		£	£
Stipends, salaries, NIC & pension costs	426,960	43,885		-	470,845	529,620
District assessment	130,824	-		-	130,824	135,732
Administration, telephone & travel	38,974	3,757		-	42,731	33,898
Insurance, utilities, etc	50,676	549		-	51,225	73,306
Maintenance of manses	68,218	-		-	68,218	49,986
Expenditure on other Circuit property	1,568	15,570		-	17,138	41,678
Other expenditure	15,291	133		2	15,426	(73,891)
Grants & donations	41,798	-		-	41,798	9,735
Contribution to District Advance Fund	35,225	-		-	35,225	36,384
Connexional Priority Fund Levy	-	-		-	-	11,166
Rent	-	25,736		-	25,736	26,646
Carecent services	-	30,450		-	30,450	34,455
	£ 809,534	£ 120,080	£	2	£ 929,616	£ 908,715

In 2024 expenditure amounting to £104,442 related to restricted funds and £1 related to endowment funds.

9. AUDITOR'S REMUNERATION

UDITOR'S REMUNERATION
	2025	2024
Auditor's remuneration - audit	£ 9,000	£ 7,180

10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

During the year, 6 Trustees, who are Circuit Ministers, have been paid remuneration amounting to £220,243 (2024: 7 Trustees - £261,443).

During the year ended 31 August 2025, expenses totalling £15,423 were reimbursed or paid directly to 6 Trustees (2024: £13,652 to 6 Trustees) in relation to travel and other expenses incurred on Circuit work.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

11. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes he average number of persons employed by the Circuit during the year was as follows: Stipendiary clergy Other Circuit staff	2025 £ 387,001 38,486 45,358	2024 £ 427,457 37,608 64,555
	£ 470,845	£ 529,620
	2025 No. 6 10	2024 No. 7 12
	16	19

The average number of persons employed by the Circuit during the year was as follows:

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The total key management personnel remuneration for the year totalled £44,320 (2024: £43,130). The Circuit considers its key management personnel comprises of the Superintendent and Circuit Stewards.

12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

*Cost or valuation* At 1 September 2024 At 31 August 2025 *Net book value* At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024	Freehold property £ 6,066,226
	6,066,226
	£ 6,066,226
	£ 6,066,226

Freehold land and buildings have been revalued at the year end to fair value. The fair value of residential property is calculated with reference to local property markets and changes to property values in line with the ONS Property Index. Where there is not an active market for freehold property, for example in relation to chapels held by the Circuit, a fair value has been arrived at based on surveyors' reports undertaken by Stephensons Estate Agents LLP dating between 2016 and 2020.

The Circuit has adopted a policy of revaluation for tangible fixed assets. Had these assets been measured at historic cost, the carrying values would have been as follows. Where actual historic costs are unavailable, a deemed cost equivalent to the 31 August 2015 insurance rebuild valuation has been adopted in line with guidance on the introduction of SORP (FRS 102).

		2025		2024
Freehold property	£	3,684,406	£	3,684,406

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

13. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

*Cost or valuation* At 1 September 2024 Revaluations At 31 August 2025 *Net book value* At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024 The historic cost of investments held at the year end was £57,312 (2024: £57,312). 14. *Due within one year* Other debtors Prepayments DEBTORS Loans	2025 £ 33,283 119 15,000	Other Investments £ 82,477 885
		£ 83,362
		£ 83,362
		£ 82,477
		2024 £ 26,801 8,449 -
	£ 48,402	£ 35,250

15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors Accruals Income in advance Other creditors	2025 £ 1,523 11,314 118,988 -	2024 £ 1,103 10,247 123,183 2,938
	£ 131,825	£ 137,471

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

16. STATEMENT OF FUNDS

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds *Designated funds* Shipton Mission and Transformation Fund Property cost Revaluation reserve General funds *Total Unrestricted funds* *Endowment funds* Endowment fund Supernumerary House Fund *Total of funds* *Restricted funds* Carecent All Churches Trust Limited Approved Circuit Model Trust Funds Walk to Talk York	At 1 September 2024 £ 128,749 3,724,113 2,342,113 25,000 6,219,975 659,281 6,879,256 504 40,886 357,203 4,750 650 403,489 £ 7,283,249	Income £ - - - - - 740,166 740,166 11 863 119,216 - - 120,079 £ 860,256	Expenditure £ - - - - - (809,534) (809,534) (2) (133) (119,947) - - (120,080) £ (929,616)	Transfers in/(out) £ - - - - - 738 738 (9) (729) - - - (729) £ -	Gains £ - - - - - 809 809 1 75 - - - 75 £ 885	At 31 August 2025 £ 128,749 3,724,113 2,342,113 25,000
						6,219,975

						591,460

						6,811,435
						505
						40,962 356,472 4,750 650
						402,834
						£ 7,214,774

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

16. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds *Designated funds* Shipton Mission and Transformation Fund Property cost Revaluation reserve Approved Circuit Model Trust Funds *General funds* General funds *Total Unrestricted funds* *Endowment funds* Endowment fund Supernumerary House Fund *Total of funds* *Restricted funds* Carecent All Churches Trust Limited Walk to Talk York	At 1 September 2023 £ 128,749 3,724,113 2,342,113 25,000 6,219,975 620,781 6,840,756 467 37,950 311,716 4,750 650 355,066 £ 7,196,289	Income £ - - - - - 837,425 837,425 14 1,146 149,821 - - 150,967 £ 988,406	Expenditure £ - - - - - (804,272) (804,272) (1) (108) (104,334) - - (104,442) £ (908,715)	Transfers in/(out) £ - - - - - 1,050 1,050 (12) (1,038) - - - 1,038 - £ -	Gains £ - - - - - 4,297 4,297 36 2,936 - - - 2,936 £ 7,269	At 31 August 2024 £ 128,749 3,724,113 2,342,113 25,000
						6,219,975

						659,281

						6,879,256
						504
						40,886 357,203 4,750 650
						403,489
						£ 7,283,249

Fund descriptions

Unrestricted funds

The General Fund is the main operating account through which the expenditure and revenue for both operational and strategic purposes are handled.

Approved Circuit Model Trust Funds are monies which have been approved by the Circuit Council to be paid out to Churches as MTM grants.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

16. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (continued)

Fund descriptions

Unrestricted funds

The Revaluation reserve represents the difference between property held at valuation and its associated historic cost to the Circuit.

The Shipton Mission and Transformation Fund provides finance for local Church, small-scale mission projects, for circuitled new forms of worship and Church, and for facilitating the work of the Circuit through information technology.

Endowment funds

The income from the Endowment is expendable. The net income after expenditure is transferred to unrestricted funds. The capital of very small endowment funds may be expended with Connexional approval.

Restricted funds

Carecent is an internal organisation helping disadvantaged members of the community.

All Churches Trust Limited relates to a grant received to be spent on developing the digital capacity of Churches.

The Supernumerary House Fund is for the support of a lay worker in the Circuit.

Walk to Talk York Fund relates to a grant received to help fund the creation of a podcast.

Transfers

Transfers were made out of the Endowment fund and Supernumerary House Fund into the General fund in relation to the surplus made on each fund during the year in relation to the investment income received.

17. SUMMARY OF FUNDS

Summary of funds - current year

Designated funds Restricted funds General funds Endowment funds	At 1 September 2024 £ 6,219,975 659,281 504 403,489 £ 7,283,249	Income £ - 740,166 11 120,079 £ 860,256	Expenditure £ - (809,534) (2) (120,080) £ (929,616)	Transfers in/(out) £ - 738 (9) (729) £ -	Gains/ (losses) £ - 809 1 75 £ 885	At 31 August 2025 £ 6,219,975 591,460 505 402,834
						£ 7,214,774

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

17. SUMMARY OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)

Summary of funds - prior year

Endowment funds Restricted funds Designated funds General funds	At 1 September 2023 £ 6,219,975 620,781 467 355,066 £ 7,196,289	Income £ - 837,425 14 150,967 £ 988,406	Expenditure £ - (804,272) (1) (104,442) £ (908,715)	Transfers in/(out) £ - 1,050 (12) (1,038) £ -	Gains/ (losses) £ - 4,297 36 2,936 £ 7,269	At 31 August 2024 £ 6,219,975 659,281 504 403,489
						£ 7,283,249

18. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Analysis of net assets between funds - current period

Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Tangible fixed assets - Fixed asset investments 41,895 Current assets 681,390 Creditors due within one year (131,825) Total £ 591,460 alysis of net assets between funds - prior period Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Tangible fixed assets - Fixed asset investments 41,087 Current assets 755,665 Creditors due within one year (137,471) Total £ 659,281	Designated funds 2025 £ 6,066,226 - 153,749 - £ 6,219,975 Designated funds 2024 £ 6,066,226 - 153,749 - £ 6,219,975	Restricted funds 2025 £ - 40,962 361,872 - £ 402,834 Restricted funds 2024 £ - 40,886 362,603 - £ 403,489	Endowment funds 2025 £ - 505 - - £ 505 Endowment funds 2024 £ - 504 - - £ 504	Total funds 2025 £ 6,066,226 83,362 1,197,011 (131,825)
				£ 7,214,774
				Total funds 2024 £ 6,066,226 82,477 1,272,017 (137,471)
				£ 7,283,249

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

19. RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net (expenditure)/income for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities) *Adjustments for:* Dividends and interest from investments (Decrease)/Increase in creditors *Net cash used in operating activities provided by/(used)* Cash in hand Central Finance Board TMCP deposits *Total cash and cash equivalents* ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT At 1 September 2024 £ Cash at bank and in hand 1,236,767 £ 1,236,767 Gains on investments Gain on the sale of freehold property Increase in debtors Losses on revaluation of fixed assets ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2025 £ (68,475) (885) - (49,032) (16,583) (13,152) (5,646) £ (153,773) 2025 £ 234,690 227,955 685,964 £ 1,148,609 Cash flows £ (88,158) £ (88,158)	2024 £ 86,960
		(7,269) - (55,820) (64,664) (9,097) 8,471
		£ (41,419)
		2024 £ 380,120 77,152 779,495
		£ 1,236,767
		At 31 August 2025 £ 1,148,609
		1,148,609 £

20. ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

21. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT

22. PENSION COMMITMENTS

The ordained presbyters and deacons are members of the Methodist Ministers' Pension Scheme (MMPS). This is a defined benefit scheme where ministers contribute 9.3% of stipend and the Circuit 26.9% to this scheme. The Connexional accounts show the figures in the annual Methodist Church in Great Britain account.

Note: The Supreme Court held in 2014 that Methodist ministers (which term includes presbyters and deacons) are not employees of the Church. For simplicity, however, when dealing with National Insurance contributions and pension contributions, the terms 'employer' and 'employee' are used as they would be in an employing body.

Lay employees are contractually employees and where applicable are auto-enrolled into the Circuit's pension scheme arranged with The Pensions Trust. This is a defined contribution scheme where employees contribute 6% of salary and the Circuit 6% to this scheme.

The assets of both schemes are held separately from those of the Circuit in independently administered funds. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Circuit to the funds and amounted to £45,358 (2024: £53,901). No contributions were payable to the funds at the balance sheet date in either this or the previous year.

YORK METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (CONTINUED)

23. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year the Circuit received assessment income totalling £537,530 (2024: £523,783) from the various churches within the Circuit.

The Circuit also incurred assessment costs of £130,824 (2024: £135,732) payable to the District.

24. OPERATING LEASES

As at 31 August 2025 the Circuit had future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating as follows:

Equipment Within one year Within two years Within five years	2025 £ 1,402 1,402 351 £ 3,155	2024 £ 1,402 1,402 1,753
		£ 4,557