| 

| 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT 

Charity Registration Number 1134383 

## TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

For the year ending 31st August 2024 

| 

| 



7 

| 

: 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

## For the year ending 

## 31st August 2024 

Contents Page 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Charity|information|1|
|Trustees’|report|2-7|
|Declarations|8|
|Independent|examiner's|report|9|
|Statement|of|Financial|Activities|10|
|Balance|Sheet|||
|Notes|to|the|accounts|12-17|
|Appendix|1|-|List|of trustees|18-19|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




| 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## Reference and Administrative Details for the year ended 31st August 2024 

Charity Name Southport Methodist Circuit Charity registration England & Wales number|134383 Main communication address Circuit Office Cornerstone Methodist Church 1c Marshside Road Southport PRO OTL Trustees A full list of trustees is shown in appendix 1 Circuit Ministers and officers Active Circuit Ministers Rev Patrick Evans Rev Sheila Prest Rev Marie-Anne Kent Circuit Stewards Mr S Hardiman ° Mr B Stewart Mrs S Potts Ms L Goddard Mr R Flanagan MrsJ Wallbanks Treasurer Mr Barry Stewart Independent Examiner Mr S Noad FCA 34 Brighton Road Southport Merseyside PR8 4DD Bankers Central Finance Board 9 Bonhill Street London EC2A 4PE Barclays Bank Lord Street Southport 

Page 1 



## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31st August 2024 

## 1 Objectives and activities 

## 1.1 Charity objectives 

Charity objective is to act as a Resource provider within the area around Southport for the Methodist Church. 

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

a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church; 

b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church; 

c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church; 

d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church. 

## 1.2 Main activities 

1. The organising and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike. 

2. The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. 

3. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. 

4. Taking religious assemblies to local schools. 

5. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services. 

6. Provision of chaplaincy services to the local university and other institutions. 

## 1.3 Public benefit 

The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. 

## 2. Review of the year 

| 

. . The circuit had 3 full time presbyters: Rev Marie-Anne Kent (Superintendent), Rev Patrick Evans, and Rev Sonya Marshall and one part time presbyter; Rev Shiela Prest who is a Supernumerary minister and offered us 0.33% of a full-time appointment as Formby Methodist Church joined our circuit from the old Crosby circuit. Rev Sonya Marshall is authorised to serve as a Methodist Minister by the Methodist Conference. The three long standing Local Ecumenical Partnerships at St Francis of Assisi, St Philip and St Paul with Wesley (both Church of England) and Lord Street West United Church (United Reformed Church) continue to support the shared mission and worship of the circuit. Rev. Alex Galbraith, Rev Rachel Bray (both Church of England) and Rev. Peter Lyth (United Reformed Church) are all authorised to serve as Methodist Ministers by the Methodist Conference. This is reviewed annually. 

Rev. Marie-Anne Kent had a period of extended illness during the year and we are grateful to all those people, both ordained and lay that stepped up to help carry the load of the circuit, particularly Rev. Patrick Evans who took up to the role of Superintendent. Rev. Peter Lyth retired from ministry at Easter 2024 and was replaced by Rev. Hilary Smith as a URC team minister. At the end of the year the Rev. Sonya Marshall was not invited to serve for a further period. 

| The presbyters support the chaplaincy at Connell Court MHA as well as offering spiritual care and Holy Communion at other residential and nursing homes throughout Southport on a regular basis. These are nondenominational services offered to all residents. 

Page 2 



! 2. Review of the year (cont.) 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31st August 2024 

| 

Rev. Evans resigned from his role as a trustee of Compassion Acts and instead became a member, along with other circuit representatives, of the partnership steering group, as Compassion Acts continued seeking new projects to reduce poverty and reduce social exclusion. He is also the Liverpool District Probationer’s Secretary supporting ministers preparing for ordination. 

} 

Rev. Marie-Anne Kent continued to sit on the Liverpool District Policy Committee, who act as trustees for the Liverpool Methodist District. Both Patrick and Marie-Anne sit on the District Reconciliation Group. 

Shirley Potts a circuit steward and local preacher continues as a trustee for the Southport Area School Workers Trust which provides assemblies, lessons, presentations and extra-curricular clubs for local schools which supports emotional and mental health for primary and secondary aged children. 

Rev Rachel Bray continued to lead Sunday @ 6 working with young people aged 10-18 from across the circuit engaging them not only in faith matters but world affairs too. They attended the Methodist Youth Conference 3Generate in the NEC Birmingham in October 2023. 

Rev. Martin Abrams and Rev Jan Fraser are Chaplains at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals which are part of the Mersey and South Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Shirley Potts, a Local Preacher, is also a member of the Chaplaincy team. 

| Margaret Sadler our circuit administrator reduced her hours from 24 hours a week to 20 hours with Lucy Lloyd | increasing her hours to 11 hours a week to fill the shortfall 

The Circuit Safeguarding Officer Mr Jack Watson ran a number of online and face to face Foundation and Advanced Training sessions to ensure that everyone was up to date. He resigned his role at the end of the year as he took up a full time appointment with the new West of England District. This was accompanied by mandatory Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Unconscious Bias training for circuit and local church office holders. 

Martin Maynard is our GDPR champion continued to run training session across the circuit to ensure that we are compliant with the Data Protection Act 2018. 

Sally Eyes the Circuit Outreach Lay Worker continued running the Bereavement Course for the community | working with those who feel isolated due to the loss of loved ones. She continues to support the weekly food pantry at Liverpool Road for those who are struggling with food poverty which is a growing need in the area. She supports the SASWT Messy Church at St Philips Primary School and assists with Sunday @ 6. 

Mr lan Robinson was appointed as circuit property manager in January 2024 and has been fully utilised assisting our local churches to ensure that they are up to date with current legislation, along with advising on building projects within the circuit. 

| 

The circuit entered the stationing process to look for a presbyter to join us as Superintendent Minister from September 2025. 

To try and ease the load on our presbyters we currently hold 4 morning services, 12 early morning communion services, 12 evening services and 12 Raising Praise services plus a few special events as circuit services were all our churches combine, along with an increase in Local Arrangements. We are grateful for the dedicated service shown by our local preachers and worship leaders in helping to make this happen. 

Page 3 



\ 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31st August 2024 

## 2. Review of the year (cont.) 

Whilst we do not wish to dwell on the sad event that occurred in July it is appropriate to recognise the support given to the local community at PPW church when members from across the circuit came together to keep the church open for those needing a place of quiet and safety as they cam to terms with what had occurred just down the road. In particular we recognise and thank Rev Marie-Anne and Rev Rachel for the way they actively engaged both at the scene of the tragedy and around the area during those difficult days. 

## Future developments 

Bescar Lane Methodist Church having closed for worship in September 2024 is going through the process of being prepared for sale on the open market. Cornerstone Methodist Church continues to explore their future on the Marshside Road site and are also possibly going to put the site on the market. 

Liverpool Road, Lord St West and Ainsdale are all having feasibility studies carried out as they try to discern their future direction. 

There are discussions taking place which may result in the current practice of alternating between Methodist /URC oversite at Lors St West changing to a shared leadership model which will result in greater continuity for the church. 

Approval and funding have been agreed by the circuit meeting to appoint two youth workers for a three-year period, which will possibly be shared with the Southport School Workers Trust. 

We still have one circuit church which needs to vote on whether to allow same sex marriages. 

## Finance 

During the year the Circuit received income of £791,609 ( 2023 £262,714). Income derives principally from the assessment income it received from the churches which form part of the Circuit, but during the year the Circuit also received a capital receipt £400,000 from the introduction of the Elbow Lane manse at market value. Expenditure on charitable activities amounted to £352,753 (2023 £385,219). Excluding capital receipts and revaluations, the net surplus for the year was £38,856 compared to a net deficit of £122,505 in 2023. 

Stipends and lay salaries for the year increased by £34,967, reflecting the addition of the Elbow Lane church to the Circuit, and a cost of living increase in wages. 

It is the charity's policy to maintain general fund reserves of approximately four months' general expenditure in order to maintain sufficient reserves to accommodate any unexpected requirements on the charity's funds. At the year end reserves amounted to £741,777 (2023 £700,356), and the increase in reserves is explained by the increase in the CMT funds relating to the sale of Circuit properties in previous years. 

## Plans for 2024/25 

Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there remains three full-time ordained staff with anticipated cost living stipend increases, combined with an increase in the assessment paid to the district such that the assessment for each church will not be increased in the forthcoming year. 

Page 4 



## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31st August 2024 

## 3. Structure, governance and management 

## Governing documents 

The governing document for the Circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976). Governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD). 

] 

Day to day management of the Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership team along with the local preachers' meeting. 

Charity constitution 

Trust deed. 

## Trustee training 

A range of guidance produced by 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 induction to their role as trustees . 

## Related parties 

The Circuit is part of the Liverpool District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches are linked to the Circuit:- 

| 

Ainsdale, Bescar Lane, Leyland Road, Liverpool Road, Lord St West (LEP URC), Cornerstone, St. Philip & St. Paul with Wesley (LEP Anglican), St Francis of Assisi (LEP Anglican) and Russell Road. 

Other related party transactions are disclosed in the accounts 

## Risk Management 

The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Leadership with professional advice taken as required There is an annual review process undertaken and recorded and risks are reviewed throughout the year. 

Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half-yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves . 

## Safeguarding 

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. 

| 

Page 5 



| 

: 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31st August 2024 

## Safeguarding (cont.) 

Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles: 

¢ the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults 

¢ the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable 

* the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse. 

¢ We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes 

* We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. 

¢ We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care. 

¢ We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust. 

| 

¢ We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult. 

¢ In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice 

The Southport Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy; government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the Circuit and in the churches. 

The Southport Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable. The Circuit is supported in these responsibilities by the Circuit Safeguarding Officer. 

Page 6 



# SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31st August 2024 

## Statement of Trustees Responsibilities for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 

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

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to 

| 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP (FRS 102) ; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. 

| 

} 

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

Approved by order of the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
PIS w4/ejes<br>Signature Date<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## BART Taer€s STE eeT 

Full name 

Page 7 



## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 

## Declarations and Scrutiny 

| confirm that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit . 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
c<br>Signature of treasurer> sore, /h)202<br>Name and address of treasurer LAC DT: Sree<br>23 ALLA Gaeers | Oo TPR Post Code Pee 6be<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## Presentation to the Cicuit meeting 

| confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 were presented to the Circuit meeting held on 2) D2. Signature of the Chair of the meeting Pad be 

Name of the Chair of the meeting ROPUTKICLe EAN Date 2foslex 

Page 8 



## Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the 

: 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT Charity No 1134383 

## Responsibilities and basis of report 

| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Southport Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages 10 to 17. As the Circuit’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). 

| report in respect of my examination of the Circuit’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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 

The Circuit’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and | am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. 

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect: 

- , the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or 

- 3 the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts 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. 

- ‘ the trustees’ annual report is not consistent with the accounts. 

| 

| 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. 

| have not obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Signature of independent ExaMINl..........ssecsrreeeereerercessseneseeceneenenteneaeneeteneneeneseeneees<br>Name of independent examiner enn NORATUATT GRDOA enn<br>Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner CHARMED | ALU<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Address [ee] [A] : BUGHTONGHTON 120AORD<br>cetteGUTH eePAT cntinstttnsusssinans, Post Code PRE yay)AOD<br>Date _# e205,+] 2025<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Page 9 



SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2024 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Notes to|Circuit Model|Designated|
|the|General|Fund|—|Trust Fund|Fund|Total|Total|
|accounts|(Unrestricted)|(Unrestricted)|(Unrestricted)|2023-24|2022-23|
|£|£|£|£|£|
|Income|and|endowments|from:|
|Donations and|legacies|2|10,298|35,000|-|45,298|444|
|Charitable|activities|3|268,643|-|-|268,643|202,358|
|Investment|income|4|9,310|24,306|906|34,522|12,770|
|Capital|receipts|5|400,000|.|-|400,000|-|
|Other|income|6|43,146|:|-|43,146|47,142|
|Total|OOo731,397|59,306|906|791,609|262,714|
|Expenditure|
|Grants and|donations|7|16,215|-|-|16,215|10,018|
|Salaries|and|associated|costs|8|180,098|-|-|180,098|145,131|
|Property|maintenance|4,726|-|-|4,726|13,272|
|District|Assessment|&|Levy|9|73,280|27,376|-|100,656|176,645|
|Depreciation|60|-|-|60|80|
|Telephone|and|travel|6,351|-|-|6,351|3,931|
|Insurance|and|utilities|14,923|-|-|14,923|10,809|
|Other|expenditure|10|28,303|1,373|48|29,724|25,333|
|Total|323,956|28,749|48|352,753|385,219|
|Losses|on|investments|mF|-|-|-|-|(30,146)|
|Gains/(losses)|on|monetary|investments|15|-|2,505|-|2,505|(1,436)|
|Net|income/(expenditure)|407,441|33,062|858|441,361|(153,987)|
|Transfers|between|funds|18|47,186|(47,186)|=|as|.|
|Net movement|in|funds|18|454,627|(14,124)|858|441,361|(153,987)|
|Total|funds|brought|forward|18|1,093,124|481,683|16,766|1,591,573|1,745,660|
|Total|funds|carried|forward|18|1,547,751|467,559|17,624|2,032,934|1,591,673|
|—————————————————————————— — — —|—|eee|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of the financial statements 

Page 10 



, | 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024 

| 

| 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|General|Fund|Circuit|Model|Designated|Totals|2024|2023|
|(Unrestricted)|Trusts|Funds|
|Notes|(Unrestricted)|(Unrestricted)|
|£|£|£|£|£|
|Fixed Assets|
|Tangible|assets|13|961,157|-|-|961,157|$61,217|
|Investment|property|14|330,000|-|-|330,000|330,000|
|Investments|15|-|34,885|-|34,885|32,380|
|Total fixed|assets|1,291,157|34,885|-|1,326,042|923,597|
|Current|Assets|
|Debtors|16|8,962|-|8,962|10,990|
|Central|Finance|Board|Deposits|228,816|432,674|-|661,490|591,310|
|Cash|at Bank and|in|hand|38,976|17,624|56,600|83,632|
|Total|current|assets|276,754|432,674|17,624|727,052|685,932|
|Current|liabilities|
|Creditors|(due|in|under|1|year)|17|20,160|-|-|20,160|17,956|
|Net|current|assets/liabilities|256,594|432,674|17,624|706,892|667,976|
|ee|
|Net assets|1,547,751|467,559|17,624|2,032,934|1,591,573|
|=———OOO|
|Funds|of the|Circuit|
|General|Fund|(Unrestricted)|18|1,547,751|-|-|1,547,751|1,093,124|
|Circuit|Model|Trust|Fund|
|(Unrestricted)|18|-|467,559|-|467,559|481,683|
|Trustee|Interest|Fund|18|17,624|17,624|16,766|
|Total|Funds|1,547,751|467,559|17,624|2,032,934|1,591,573|
|The financial statements were approved by the Circuit trustees on Dela|jeer< and were signed on its behalf by:|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## Trustee ge< 

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of the financial statements. 

| 

] 

Page 11 



## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 

1 Basis of accounting 

## Accounting Standard 

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value. 

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 £ 

## Funds 

The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are Unrestricted; The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in Standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted; a designated fund which is unrestricted in respect of Victoria Methodist Church for building maintenance. Restricted funds are held for a narrower purpose . There are no Endowment funds. Details of each material fund are disclosed in the final note to these accounts. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash. 

## Public benefit entity 

The Southport Methodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102 

## Basis 

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, and on the accruals basis to showa true and fair view of the Circuit's financial position and activities. 

## Going Concern 

The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis which the trustees consider to be appropriate based on the level of the charity's reserves. 

## Incoming Resources 

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. 

## Grants 

Grants made by the Circuit from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of agreement or when the Circuit accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment. 

## VAT 

Since the Circuit is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers. 

Page 12 



| 

, 

| | 

, 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 

## Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit 

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500. 

The Circuit has made use of the deemed cost option on transitioning to FRS 102. The value of the manses is shown in the accounts at deemed historical cost, representing each property's carrying value as at 1st September 2015. No depreciation is provided on the manses because the trustees consider the current residual value of each property in its present condition to be not less than its deemed historical cost, and, in the absence of evidence of impairment, any depreciation provision for the building component of the property would be immaterial. 

## Fixtures and fittings are depreciated at the rate of 25% per annum on net book value. 

## Fund Accounting 

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the Circuit's charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. 

## Investments 

Investments are valued in the balance sheet at market value at the year end. 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. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2|Donations and|legacies|received|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Donations and|coffee|mornings|6,030|444|
|Pension|contribution|refund|35,000|-|
|Bescar|Lane|donation|4,268|:|
|45,298|444|
|During the|year the|Circuit|received|a|refund|of £35,000|in|respect|of|a|contribution|to|Connexion|pension|made|in|the|previous|
|year.|
|3|Charitable|activities|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Assessments|on|churches|268,643|202,358|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The Circuit comprises nine churches and each church pays an assessment to the Circuit determined on the basis of its membership. 

| 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|4|Investment|income|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Central|Finance|Board|9,310|4,126|
|Central|finance|Board|-|Victoria|Fund|906|523|
|TMCP|Investments|24,306|8,121|
|34,522|12,770|
|5|Capital|Receipts|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Harrington|Road|Manse|at valuation|400,000|-|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|In|September|2023,|Elbow|Lane|Methodist|Church|Formby joined|the Southport|Circuit.|The|manse|in|Formby|has|been|
|introduced|at|its|estimated|market|value.|
|6|Other|income|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Rental|income|43,146|47,142|
|___43,146|47,142|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


t 

Page 13 



## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|7|Grants|and|donations|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Liverpool|Road|Church|3,816|-|
|SASW|Trust|-|7,500|
|Ainsdale|6,500|=|
|Cornerstone|fees|5,758|2,058|
|Sundry|donations and|gifts|144|460|
|16,215|10,018|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## 8 Payment to Trustees 

With the exception of ministers, no Circuit member received any remuneration during the year to 31st August 2024 (2023 £nil). 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|8|(cont.)|Paid|Employees|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Staff Costs|paid|during|the year were:|
|Gross wages,|salaries|and|benefits|in|kind|144,572|113,407|
|Employer’s|National|Insurance|costs|10,713|9,249|
|Pension|costs|24,813|22,475|
|Total|staff|costs|180,098|145,131|
|Average|number|of|staff|in|the year were:|7|7|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


No employees received remuneration of more than £60,000 per annum in 2023/24 or 2022/23. 

The charity makes contributions to the Methodist Ministers' Pension Scheme on behalf of its ministers. This is a defined benefit scheme which is treated for accounting purposes as a defined contribution scheme on the grounds that it is a multi-employer | scheme and the Circuit is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme. The amount charged in the Statement of Financial Activities is therefore the amount of pension contributions payable in the year. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|9|District|Assessment|&|Levy|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|District|advance|fund|27,376|11,208|
|District|assessment|73,280|58,200|
|Levy|to|Connexional|Priority|Fund|-|107,237|
|The|levy|to the|Connexional|Priority|Fund|is|in|respect|of the|sale|of an|investment|property.|
|10|Other|expenses|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Administration|8,919|6,276|
|Computer|support|11,974|13,014|
|Legal|and|professional|fees|3,788|810|
|Preachers|1,520|1,329|
|Training|805|570|
|Sundry|expenses|2,718|3,334|
|29,724|25,333|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Page 14 



.| 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|11|Loss on|disposal|of investments|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Sale|proceeds|-|330,000|
|Disposal|expenses|-|(1,146)|
|-|328,854|
|Valuation|-|359,000|
|Loss|-|(30,146)|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## 12 Comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Circuit Model|Designated|
|General|Fund|Trust Fund|Fund|Total|2022-|
|(Unrestricted)|(Unrestricted)|(Unrestricted)|23|
|£|£|£|£|
|Income|and|endowments|from:|
|Donations and|legacies|444|444|
|Charitable|activities|202,358|202,358|
|Investment|income|4,126|8,121|523|12,770|
|Other|income|47,142|47,142|
|Total|354,0708421|+523|262,714|
|Expenditure|
|Grants|and|donations|10,018|10,018|
|Salaries|and|associated|costs|145,131|145,131|
|Property|maintenance|13,272|13,272|
|District Assessment &|Levy|58,200|118,445|176,645|
|Depreciation|80|80|
|Telephone|and|travel|3,931|3,931|
|Insurance|and|utilities|10,809|10,809|
|Other|expenditure|24,529|758|46|25,333|
|Total|265,970|119,203|46|385,219|
|Gains|on|revaluation|of fixed|assets|(30,146)|-|-|(30,146)|
|Gains/(losses)|on|monetary|investments|-|(1,436)|-|(1,436)|
|Net income/(expenditure)|(42,046)|(112,518)|477|(154,087)|
|Transfers|between|funds|(328,091)|328,091|-|=|
|Net|movement|in funds|(370,137)|215,573|477|(154,087)|
|Total|funds|brought|forward|1,463,261|266,110|16,289|1,745,660|
|Total funds carried forward|“4,093,124|481,683|16,766|1,591,573|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


| 

Page 15 



SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 

: 

## 13 Tangible Fixed Assets 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Manses|Fixtures,|Total|
|fittings|and|
|equipment|
|Cost|or valuation|
|£|£|£|
|At|1st September 2023|560,977|1,800|562,777|
|Additions|400,000|-|400,000|
|Reclassification|-|-|-|
|At|31st August 2024|960,977|1,800|962,777|
|Accumulated|depreciation|
|At|1st|September|2023|-|1,560|1,560|
|Depreciation|charge|for year|-|60|60|
|Disposals|-|
|At|31st August|2024|-|1,620|1,620|
|Net|book|value|
|At|31st August|2024|960,977|180|961,157|
|At|31st August 2023|560,977|240|561,217|
|14|Investment|Property|
|Fair value|£|
|At|31st|August|2023|330,000|
|Disposals|-|
|At|31st August|2024|330,000|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## 15 Fixed Asset Investments 

The funds that support the Circuit Model Trust Fund and the Manses Fund are held by TMCP in Trustees Interest Funds on which interest is credited to the accounts each month. These are regarded as medium and long term investments. TMC? is the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trust property, including Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds. Trust property is held for and on behalf of local Managing Trustees who are responsible for the day to day management of trust property. TMCP ensure that, through providing guidance and acting under their direction, the Managing Trustees comply with charity law and Methodist law and polity as determined by the Methodist Conference. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|15|Fixed|Asset|Investments|(cont.,)|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Investments|held|in|common|investment|funds|34,885|32,380|
|Market value|at|start|of year|32,380|33,816|
|Gain(loss)|on|revaluation|2,505|(1,436)|
|Market|value|at|end|of year|34,885|32,380|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Page 16 



## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 

|16<br>Debtors : amounts fallingduewithin oneyear|||2024|2023|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||£|£|
|Prepayments - stipends in advance|||6,616|10,990|
|Expenses recharge recoverable|||2,346|-|
||||8,962|10,990|
|17<br>Creditors: amounts fallingduewithin oneyear|||2024|2023|
||||£|£|
|Assessments in advance|||20,160<br>20,160|17,956<br> 17,956|
|||Circuit Model|Designated||
|18<br>Movement infunds|General|TrustFund|Fund|Total|
|Unrestricted funds|Fund|£|£|£|
||£||||
|At 1st September 2023|1,093,124|481,683|16,766|1,591,573|
|Transfers between funds|47,186|(47,186)||-|
|Net income forthe year|407,441|33,062|858|441,361|
|At31stAugust2024|1,547,751|467,559|17,624|2,032,934|



The designated fund is unrestricted and is held in respect of Victoria Methodist Church Sussex Road, Southport. 

The transfer of £47,186 from the Circuit Model Trust Fund to the General fund is in respect of a grant to support lay workers in the Circuit. 

## 18 Related Party Transactions 

During the year the charity entered into the following related party transactions :- 

The Circuit rents a property to the charity Compassion Acts at a rental of £20,000 per annum. A trustee of the Circuit is also a trustee of Compassion Acts. 

Page 17 



| 

| 

## SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT APPENDIX 1 CIRCUIT TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2023 

|CHAIR OF DISTRICT|CHAIR OF DISTRICT|||
|---|---|---|---|
|Rev'd|Sheryl M|Anderson||
|CIRCUIT|MINISTERS|||
|Rev'd|Marie-Anne|Kent|Superintendent Minister|
|Rev'd|Patrick|Evans|Member ofthe LeadershipTeam|
|Rev'd|Alex|Galbraith|Member ofthe LeadershipTeam (AM)|
|Rev'd|Peter|Lyth|Member ofLeadershipTeam (AM)|
|Rev'd|Sonya|Marshall|Member ofthe LeadershipTeam (AM)|
|Rev'd|Rachel|Bray|Member ofthe LeadershipTeam (AM)|
|SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS||||
|Rev'd|Ernie|Grimshaw|Supernumerary Minister|
|Rev'd|Derek|Bowker|Supernumerary Minister|
|Rev'd|Sheila|Pest|Supernumerary Minister|
|CIRCUIT|STEWARDS|||
|Mr|Stephen|Hardiman|Senior Circuit Steward|
|Mr|Barry|Stewart|Circuit Steward & CircuitTreasurer|
|Dr|Dominic|Bray|Circuit meeting secretary|
|Mrs|Shirley|Potts|CircuitSteward|
|Mrs|Lesley|Goddard|CircuitSteward|
|Mr|Ray|Flanagan|Circuit Steward|
|Mrs|Jenny|Wallbanks|CircuitSteward|
|CIRCUITSAFEGUARDING|SAFEGUARDING OFFICER|||
|Mr|Jack|Watson||
|LOCAL PREACHERS||||
|Mrs|Shirley|Potts|Local Preachers Meeting|
|CIRCUIT|CHURCH|||
|Rev‘d|Rachel|Bray|RepPPW|
|CIRCUIT|APPOINTMENTS|||
|Mrs|Sally|Eyes|Outreach Worker|
|Mrs|Janet|Bowker|MethodistWomen in Britain|
|Mrs|Pam|O'Malley|MethodistWomen in Britain|
|REPRESENTATIVES||||
|Mr|Tim|Andrews|Steward Formby|
|Mr|John|Attwater|Treasurer Liverpool Rd& Russell Rd|
|Mr|David|Campbell|Rep Russell Road (Steward)|
|Mrs|Pamela|Christopher|Rep Liverpool Rd (Steward)|
|Ms|Margaret|Crosby|Rep Leyland Road|
|Mrs|Brenda|Domville|Rep Formby|
|Mr|Barry|Edwards|Rep Lord StWest|
|Me|Christopher|Hall|Rep Leyland Road|
|Mrs|Margaret|Harwood|Rep PPW|
|Mrs|Mary|Hill|RepCornerstone|



Page 18 



SOUTHPORT METHODIST CIRCUIT APPENDIX 1 CIRCUIT TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2023 

| 

## REPRESENTATIVES (Cont.) 

Mrs Jan Holmes Rep Ainsdale Mr Peter Holmes Rep Ainsdale Mr Peter Jones Treasurer PPW Mrs Sandra Kinley Rep Cornerstone Mrs Ruth Lane Rep Lord Street West Mrs Sue McBride Steward Ainsdale Mrs Gill Moor Rep PPW Mrs Elizabeth Morris Rep Formby Mr Peter Musker Treasurer Ainsdale Mr Mark Pickering Treasurer Formby Mr Trevor Roberts Rep St. Francis Mr Andrew Tate Treasurer Leyland Road Mrs Irene Watts Rep Formby Mr Allen Webb St Francis Treasurer Mrs Joyce Williamson Cornerstone Treasurer Mr Frank Woods Leyland Road Steward Mr lan Wright Treasurer Lord Street West Mrs Pat Wright Conerstone Steward 

Page 19 

