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2023-08-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1134873

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 August 2023

for

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Contents of the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 18
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 19 to 20

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Report of the Trustees FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Significant activities

  1. The advancement of the Christian Faith with the doctrinal standards and discipline of the Methodist Church.

The District continues to support a range of activities under this heading including:

Specific activities supported under this heading include:

The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

Grant making

In the case of the grant making functions of the District through its restricted and endowment funds, it is the policy of the District only to make grants against funds actually available in those funds at the time of the grant (even if the grant is spread over a number of years) - no future income to the fund is assumed when a grant is made.

Volunteers

Every entity (Connexion, District, Circuit, Church) within the Methodist Church in Great Britain is heavily reliant on volunteers who contribute their skills, time and money in the furtherance of the work of the Church. Principally this contribution is by serving on committees of the District that deal with mission, manses, finance, policy, grants, training, development. We are grateful to all of them for their help and commitment.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

The District endeavours to maximise the District's potential as a facilitator and resource for mission in support of the Circuits and Areas that comprise the District, and to identify what needs to be done by the District and what can be done and is best done at different levels within the District.

Work has continued in the fields of Safeguarding, Grants and Project approvals along with a wide range of other necessary and requested work across the District being undertaken and delivered to fulfil Methodist Church Standing Orders and to resource circuits and churches in the District.

The District continues working with the Trustees of John Wesley's Room (the New Room) in Bristol.

The management structures for the District, which have been in operation since September 2018, are functioning well and are being reviewed as a matter of good practice.

Page 1

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Report of the Trustees FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The principal recurring source of income continues to be the mandatory payments by Methodist circuits in the District.

The income to the District Advance Fund is derived from levies on Circuit Advance Funds which in turn rely on property sales and disposals for their replenishment. This has enabled continuation of the number and level of new grants from the District Advance Fund.

Ongoing Expenditure

The District is continuing to develop its relationships with regional training staff employed by the Methodist Church and covering the South West. This provides a resource to the region equivalent to 1 1/3 persons per year. The employment of the Safeguarding Officer will continue as there has been much increased demand placed upon this role. The District support for a part time education officer based at the New Room is through grant funding. The District continue to see increasing enthusiasm and cohesion in the youth work around the District and are considering how best to support this work.

Reserves policy

The reserves available for use by the District are deemed to be those funds that are readily realisable less those funds which are restricted or designated for other purposes. The District has an established reserves policy which provides six month's reserves against normal expenditure. This policy is deemed by the District Policy Committee to be sufficient to allow for an orderly cessation or reorganisation of continuing activities in the event of unforeseen financial difficulties, for example, default on payments to the District. The reserves policy does not allow for assessment payments to the Methodist Church, it being considered that the Methodist Church and individual Circuits have reserves policies that are robust against failures in these payments.

At the year end the District held total reserves of £1,357,196 (2022 - £1,193,201) of which £82,700 (2022 - £80,002) was held in restricted funds. The District held £143,050 (2022 - £140,610) in free reserves which equated to more than 12 months' general expenditure (excluding grants payable and levies).

Going concern

The District has confirmed with the Circuit Treasurers their ability to pay their assessments for the financial year 2022/23. The Trustees consider that the charity will continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date on which these financial statements are approved.

The Trustees therefore consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of preparation of the accounts, as detailed in note 1 to the financial statements.

FUTURE PLANS

All activities of the District continue to be reviewed to ensure that what is done is relevant to the needs of the present time and are affordable.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Structure, Governance and Management of the Bristol District is as established by The Deed of Union and the Model Trusts enshrined in The Methodist Church Act 1976 and as set out in detail in the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Trustees are appointed based on their experience and skills, independence of thought and commitment to the furthering the objectives of the Methodist Church.

Page 2

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Report of the Trustees FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Organisational structure and wider network

Circuits are groups of churches; circuits pay the stipends of the ministers and employ lay staff to serve the churches in the circuit; most decisions are made at or ratified by the half yearly circuit meeting. A district is a group of contiguous circuits and makes its decisions at the half yearly synods. The Methodist Conference meets once each year and is the supreme governing body in the Church.

1. Overall control rests with the Methodist Conference.

  1. The Connexional Office implements decisions made by Conference and is also responsible for the stationing of presbyters and deacons in individual circuits within the District.

  2. Connexional decisions are passed to the Chair of the District and the appropriate officers of the District for implementation.

  3. The District passes control down to circuit level for local implementation by the Superintendent Minister, ministerial staff and circuit stewards, and authority is delegated to the Circuit Meeting for certain matters.

  4. The Circuit Meeting passes control down to church councils for local implementation by the presbyter, the church stewards, and other officers, and authority is delegated to church councils as Managing Trustees.

Induction and training of new trustees

The Methodist Church runs a number of seminars relating to the induction and training of trustees and trustees of the District are expected to attend. Most appointees are trustees of other organisations and will also have experience and training with the other organisation.

Risk management

Major risks are reviewed regularly by the District's Policy Committee which establishes systems and procedures to manage those risks. In terms of governance, the District Policy Committee and District Scrutiny Group are functioning well.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number

1134873

Principal address

Victoria Methodist Church 1a Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 1NU

Trustees

Rev Dr J Pye - Chair of District Mrs A Jackson - Treasurer Mr J Flowers Rev P Stonehewer Rev L Maydew Mrs H Bevan - Synod Secretary Mr P Newton Rev T Swire Rev S Edwards Rev S Toppin (appointed 1.9.23) Mr M Collins (appointed 1.9.23) Rev D Gray (appointed 1.9.23)

Page 3

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Report of the Trustees FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Independent Examiner

Andrew Jordan FCA Haines Watts Chartered Accountants Bath House 6 - 8 Bath Street Bristol BS1 6HL

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 5 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Mrs A Jackson - Trustee

Page 4

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Bristol District of the Methodist Church

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Bristol District of the Methodist Church

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bristol District of the Methodist Church (the Trust) for the year ended 31 August 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. 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.

I 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.

Andrew Jordan FCA The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Haines Watts Chartered Accountants Bath House 6 - 8 Bath Street Bristol BS1 6HL

7 March 2024

Page 5

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Statement of Financial Activities FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Notes
INCOME AND
ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
4
Management of the Bristol
District
Grant funding
Investment income
3
Other income
5
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
6
Management of the Bristol
District
Grant funding
Total
NET
INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
RECONCILIATION OF
FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD
Unrestricted
funds
£
130
127,132
-
5,255
-
132,517
132,878
8,750
141,628
(9,111)
660,404
651,293
District
Advance
Fund
£
-
-
258,633
24,600
-
283,233
1,809
111,016
112,825
170,408
452,795
623,203
Restricted
funds
£
260
-
-
2,619
-
2,879
181
-
181
2,698
80,002
82,700
2023
Total
funds
£
390
127,132
258,633
32,474
-
418,629
134,868
119,766
254,634
163,995
1,193,201
1,357,196
2022
Total
funds
£
421
120,009
280,251
3,924
30,418
435,023
126,073
84,018
210,091
224,932
968,269
1,193,201

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Balance Sheet 31 AUGUST 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
13
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one
year
14
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more
than one year
15
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
16
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Unrestricted
funds
£
508,243
148,170
(5,120)
143,050
651,293
-
651,293
District
Advance
Fund
£
-
759,308
(73,345)
685,963
685,963
(62,760)
623,203
Restricted
funds
£
-
82,700
-
82,700
82,700
-
82,700
2023
Total
funds
£
508,243
990,178
(78,465)
911,713
1,419,956
(62,760)
1,357,196
1,274,496
82,700
1,357,196
2022
Total
funds
£
519,794
858,504
(85,942)
772,562
1,292,356
(99,155)
1,193,201
1,113,199
80,002
1,193,201

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 5 March 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mrs A Jackson - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

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.

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

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees consider that the charity has sufficient cash reserves to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date on which these financial statements are approved.

Income

Income is brought into account when it is more likely than not that the economic benefit of the income will accrue to the Bristol District. No attempt is made to measure the value of services donated by volunteers. Details of how the contribution to the cost of the District Chair has been determined appears in note 10.

Individual amounts categorised as Other Income in the SOFA will be shown separately if they are considered material.

The District acts as agent in four matters:

  1. the collection of quarterly assessments from circuits which are paid to the Methodist Church Fund

  2. the payment of expenses of delegates from the District to the Methodist Conference

  3. the collection taken at the spring synod on behalf of the Methodist Minsters’ Children’s Relief Fund

  4. the cost of ministerial health checks recovered from circuits

In all these matters the transactions are not reflected in the SOFA because there is no obligation on the District to make up any shortfall in assessments from circuits. Sums received as circuit assessments cannot be recognised as income in the District as they are the income of the Methodist Church Fund.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants receivable and payable are recognised in the period to which they relate. Grants are recognised in full when the award is made once the District accepts that there is a legal or constructive obligation to make the payment and that such payment is probable.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

continued...

Page 8

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Governance costs

Governance costs comprise all costs involved in the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Tangible fixed assets valuation

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Freehold property - 2% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £1,000. The freehold property is shown at cost. Provision has been made for depreciation where appropriate.

VAT

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

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Debtors

Debtors are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any amounts advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

Cash and short term investments

Cash at bank is held to meet short-term cash commitments as they fall due rather than for investment purposes and includes all cash equivalents held in the form of short-term highly liquid investments including cash on deposit with TMCP and CFB. Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts.

Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and 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.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are incoming resources receivable or generated for the objects of the District without further specified purpose. They are available as general funds and can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Expenditure which meets the criteria is charged to the fund together with a fair allocation of support costs where appropriate.

Endowment funds represent restricted gifts, the capital normally being unavailable for spending.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

continued...

Page 9

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Donated goods and services

The value of services provided by volunteers is not incorporated into the financial statements.

Where goods or service are provided to the charity as a donation that would normally be purchased from suppliers, the contributions are included in the financial statements as an estimate based on the value of the contribution.

Ministers' manse costs

The District is required to provide accommodation for the Chair and his / her family. The District bears the cost of repairs, maintenance, building insurance, Council Tax and water charges. These costs are not shown separately as benefits-in-kind for Ministers as HMRC does not seek to tax these receipts in the hands of the Ministers.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
3.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest and investment income
4.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Assessment or Share
Management of the Bristol District
Contribution to Chair's
stipend related costs
Management of the Bristol District
Contribution to other staff
Management of the Bristol District
Other income
Management of the Bristol District
Contributions from CAF
Grant funding
CPF distribution
Grant funding
Connexion - Methodist
Action on Poverty and
Justice
Grant funding
2023
£
390
2023
£
32,474
2023
£
72,252
47,866
-
7,014
175,761
71,935
10,937
385,765
2022
£
421
2022
£
3,924
2022
£
74,840
42,569
2,600
-
115,088
165,163
-
2022
£
421
2022
£
3,924
400,260

Assessment income is shown net of the payment to the Methodist Church Fund of £584,300 (2022 - £587,064) in accordance with national guidance.

continued...

Page 10

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

5. OTHER INCOME

Grant refunds
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Management of the Bristol District
Grant funding
Direct
Costs (see
note 7)
£
131,448
6,207
137,655
Grant
funding of
activities
(see note
8)
£
-
113,559
113,559
2023
£
-
Support
costs
£
3,420
-
3,420
2022
£
30,418
Totals
£
134,868
119,766
2022
£
30,418
254,634

6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Payment of assessment collected and passed on to the Methodist Church Fund of £584,300 (2022 - £587,064) has been netted against the respective income in accordance with national guidance.

7. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Staff costs
Administration
Chair's costs
Manse costs
Training
Ministry
Chair's stipend related costs
Depreciation
GRANTS PAYABLE
Grant funding
The total grants paid to institutions during the year was as follows:
District Advance Fund grants
Churches Together
Other grants
Methodist Ministers' Pension Reserve
Warm Space grants
2023
£
40,854
14,639
4,351
5,790
11,316
1,288
47,866
11,551
137,655
2023
£
113,559
2023
£
96,716
1,740
603
-
13,900
112,959
2022
£
37,705
15,907
3,641
4,868
5,424
1,288
42,569
11,551
122,953
2022
£
84,018
2022
£
59,800
3,218
-
21,000
-
84,018

8. GRANTS PAYABLE

continued...

Page 11

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

8. GRANTS PAYABLE - continued

The total grants paid to individuals during the year was as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
Other grants 600 -

The Bristol District (through the DAF grants) supports 9 circuits within the Bristol area. The circuits carry out a number of projects and money is provided from the District to support these projects.

9. EXAMINER'S REMUNERATION

Amounts payable to the Independent Examiner comprise £1,350 (2022 - £1,200) for the independent examination and £2,070 (2022 - £1,920) for the preparation of the accounts.

10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2023 nor for the year ended 31 August 2022.

Trustees' expenses

The Chair of District chairs meetings of the District Policy Committee (DPC). The members of the DPC are the trustees of the District. The stipend, employer's NIC and employer's pension contributions of the Chair of District are paid by the Methodist Connexion. The Chair's other costs are met mostly by the District.

£ £
2022
2023
Stipend of Chair of District 29,040 25,824
3,343
6,946
6,456
42,569
4,868
3,641
8,509
Employers' NI 3,754
Employers' pension 7,812
Chair's allowance 7,260
Costs incurred by Connexion 47,866
Manse costs 5,790
Chair's expenses 4,351
10,141

The stipend-related costs above totalling £47,866 (2022 - £42,569) are borne by the Connexion and they therefore appear both in the Income of the District and the Expenditure of the District (see note 11). It should be noted that the Chair is required to occupy the District manse. The manse is provided by Bristol District and the District maintains the property. The Chair of District is the sole paid key management person but is supported by members of the DPC.

Payments to trustees

continued...

Page 12

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS - continued

Trustees' expenses - continued

It is District policy to offer to reimburse members of the District Policy Committee and others involved in the administration of District affairs for expenditure properly incurred in carrying out their duties. The Chair of the District undertakes the primary executive role within the District. Apart from the Chair of District no member of the District Policy Committee was in receipt of any payment for work undertaken on behalf of the District, although certain travelling and administration costs were reimbursed whenever this was requested.

During the year travel expenses have been reimbursed to other trustees who, in aggregate, have received the cost of travel incurred in attending meetings and this amounted to £772 (2022 - £623).

11. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Safeguarding and administration
2023
£
36,682
2,123
2,049
40,854
2023
3
2022
£
34,483
1,892
1,330
37,705
2022
3

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

In addition to the costs above, stipend-related costs of the Chair of £47,866 (2022 - £42,569) are borne by the Connexion. These costs appear both in the income of the District and the expenditure of the District.

Employment-related costs of £6,807 (2022 - £5,630) for the District Administrator, who is employed by Wesley Methodist Church, are included in administration in note 6.

12. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Management of the Bristol District
Grant funding
Investment income
Other income
Total
Unrestricted
funds
£
93
120,009
-
792
-
120,894
District
Advance
Fund
£
-
-
280,251
2,947
30,418
313,616
Restricted
funds
£
328
-
-
185
-
513
Total
funds
£
421
120,009
280,251
3,924
30,418
435,023

continued...

Page 13

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

12.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
Unrestricted
funds
£
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Management of the Bristol District
124,878
Grant funding
24,218
Total
149,096
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(28,202)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
688,606
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
660,404
13.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1 September 2022
Charge for year
At 31 August 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022
12.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
Unrestricted
funds
£
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Management of the Bristol District
124,878
Grant funding
24,218
Total
149,096
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(28,202)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
688,606
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
660,404
13.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1 September 2022
Charge for year
At 31 August 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022
ACTIVITIES
District
Advance
Fund
£
1,195
59,800
60,995
252,621
200,174
452,795
Freehold
property
£
577,549
57,755
11,551
69,306
508,243
519,794
- continued
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
513
79,489
80,002
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
2,604
2,604
-
2,604
-
-
Total
funds
£
126,073
84,018
210,091
224,932
968,269
1,193,201
Totals
£
580,153
60,359
11,551
71,910
508,243
519,794

continued...

Page 14

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2023
£
Grants payable
73,345
Accruals and deferred income
5,120
78,465
15.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
2023
£
Grants payable
62,760
16.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.9.22
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
140,610
2,440
District Advance Fund
452,795
170,408
Manse Property Fund
519,794
(11,551)
1,113,199
161,297
Restricted funds
Bursary Fund (Lay Training)
12,808
374
Chairman's Benevolence Fund
16,481
840
Gloucester City Centre Fund
50,713
1,484
80,002
2,698
TOTAL FUNDS
1,193,201
163,995
2022
£
82,822
3,120
85,942
2022
£
99,155
At
31.8.23
£
143,050
623,203
508,243
2022
£
82,822
3,120
85,942
2022
£
99,155
1,274,496
13,182
17,321
52,197
82,700
1,357,196

Page 15

continued...

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
District Advance Fund
Manse Property Fund
Restricted funds
Bursary Fund (Lay Training)
Chairman's Benevolence Fund
Gloucester City Centre Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
District Advance Fund
Manse Property Fund
Restricted funds
Bursary Fund (Lay Training)
Chairman's Benevolence Fund
Gloucester City Centre Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
132,517
283,233
-
415,750
411
840
1,628
2,879
418,629
At 1.9.21
£
157,261
200,174
531,345
888,780
12,784
16,085
50,620
79,489
968,269
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(130,077)
2,440
(112,825)
170,408
(11,551)
(11,551)
(254,453)
161,297
(37)
374
-
840
(144)
1,484
(181)
2,698
(254,634)
163,995
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.8.22
£
£
(16,651)
140,610
252,621
452,795
(11,551)
519,794
224,419
1,113,199
24
12,808
396
16,481
93
50,713
513
80,002
224,932
1,193,201

Page 16

continued...

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
District Advance Fund
Manse Property Fund
Restricted funds
Bursary Fund (Lay Training)
Chairman's Benevolence Fund
Gloucester City Centre Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
120,894
313,616
-
434,510
24
396
93
513
435,023
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(137,545)
(16,651)
(60,995)
252,621
(11,551)
(11,551)
(210,091)
224,419
-
24
-
396
-
93
-
513
(210,091)
224,932

Manse Property Fund (designated)

The fund reflects the net book value of the manse property including fixtures and fittings.

District Advance Fund (designated)

This fund receives income via annual contributions levied on circuit model trust funds and distributions from Connexional advance and property funds. The purpose of these levies and distributions is to release funds for where they are most required. The fund is used to make grants in accordance with the District Mission Policy or to support more specific current initiatives undertaken by the District.

Bursary Fund (restricted)

The fund provides grants to support lay training.

Chairman's Benevolence Fund (restricted)

This fund represents a hardship fund and is expendable at the sole discretion of the District Chairman.

Gloucester City Centre Fund (restricted)

The fund reflects money received from the sale of property by St John's Methodist Church, Gloucester. Methodist rules require that such funds are held by the District, but the District is only allowed to disburse it in response to a request from the Gloucestershire Circuit for work in Gloucester City Centre.

Comparative analysis of net assets between funds, are as follows:

Fund balances as at 31 August 2022 Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Fixed assets 519,794 - 519,794
Current assets 778,502 80,002 858,504
Current liabilities (85,942) - (85,942)
Liabilities due in more than 1 year (99,155) - (99,155)

continued...

Page 17

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Total net assets 1,113,199 80,002 1,193,201

17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The pension contributions of the Chair of District are paid by the Methodist Connexion to the Methodist Minister’s Pension Scheme (MMPS).

Lay employees are contractually employees of the District and have the option of joining the Pension and Assurance Scheme for Lay Employees of the Methodist Church (PASLEMC), The Pensions Trust or some other arrangement. PASLEMC is a defined benefit scheme and the employing Churches and Circuits contribute as employers to this scheme.

The District belongs to a multi-employer defined contribution scheme operated by TPT Retirement (formerly The Pensions Trust) which is offered to lay employees. The cost of the pension scheme to the District for the year ended 31 August 2023 was £1,386 (2022- £1,330).

18. CONNECTED ORGANISATIONS AND RELATED PARTIES

All of the District trustees are members of one or another Church and Circuit within the District and may be trustees in their Churches and/or Circuits.

Connected organisations include the Methodist Connexion, Circuits and Churches within the District, other Methodist Districts in Great Britain, the Methodist Ministers' Children's Relief Association, CFB and TMCP. All of these entities have their own trustees or directors and autonomous administration such that Bristol District has no significant influence over any of them, nor they over Bristol District. They are, therefore, not considered related parties.

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2023 (2022 - no transactions).

Page 18

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Investment income
Interest and investment income
Charitable activities
Assessment or Share
Contributions from CAF
CPF distribution
Contribution to Chair's stipend related costs
Contribution to other staff
Connexion - Methodist Action on Poverty and
Justice
Other income
Other income
Grant refunds
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Wages
Social security
Pensions
Administration
Chair's costs
Manse costs
Training
Ministry
Chair's stipend related costs
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Grants to institutions
Grants to individuals
2023
£
390
32,474
72,252
175,761
71,935
47,866
-
10,937
7,014
385,765
-
418,629
36,682
2,123
2,049
14,639
4,351
5,790
11,316
1,288
47,866
11,551
112,959
600
251,214
2022
£
421
3,924
74,840
115,088
165,163
42,569
2,600
-
-
400,260
30,418
435,023
34,483
1,892
1,330
15,907
3,641
4,868
5,424
1,288
42,569
11,551
84,018
-
206,971

Support costs

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 19

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Support costs
Governance costs
Independent examiner's remuneration
Total resources expended
Net income
2023
£
3,420
254,634
163,995
2022
£
3,120
210,091
224,932

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 20