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← Bristol District Of The Methodist Church

2024-08-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1134873

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 August 2024

for

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Contents of the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Cash Flow Statement 8
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 22
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 23 to 24

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Report of the Trustees FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2024. 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 2024

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 £1,717,290 (2023 - £1,357,196) of which £87,160 (2023 - £82,700) was held in restricted funds. The District held £214,368 (2023 - £143.050) 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 2024/25. 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 2024

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.

  2. 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.

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

  4. 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.

  5. 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 (resigned 31.8.24) Rev M Torchon (appointed 1.9.24) 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 2024

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Independent Examiner

Matthew Bracher BSc FCA Gravita Chartered Accountants Bath House 6 - 8 Bath Street Bristol BS1 6HL

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 22 June 2025 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 2024.

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.

Matthew Bracher BSc FCA The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Gravita Chartered Accountants Bath House 6 - 8 Bath Street Bristol BS1 6HL

22 June 2025

Page 5

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Statement of Financial Activities FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Notes
INCOME AND
ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
4
Management of the Bristol
District
Grant funding
Investment income
3
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
5
Management of the Bristol
District
Grant funding
Total
NET INCOME
RECONCILIATION OF
FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD		 Unrestricted
funds
£
-
142,388
50,793
8,939
202,120
138,207
4,146
142,353
59,767
651,293
711,060		 District
Advance
Fund
£
-
-
398,616
56,001
454,617
2,165
156,585
158,750
295,867
623,203
919,070		 Restricted
funds
£
3,399
-
-
4,239
7,638
-
3,178
3,178
4,460
82,700
87,160		 2024
Total
funds
£
3,399
142,388
449,409
69,179
664,375
140,372
163,909
304,281
360,094
1,357,196
1,717,290		 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

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Balance Sheet 31 AUGUST 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
13
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank
14
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one
year
15
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more
than one year
16
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
17
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
funds
£
496,692
219,912
(5,544)
214,368
711,060
-
711,060		 District
Advance
Fund
£
-
1,090,480
(91,304)
999,176
999,176
(80,106)
919,070		 Restricted
funds
£
-
87,160
-
87,160
87,160
-
87,160		 2024
Total
funds
£
496,692
1,397,552
(96,848)
1,300,704
1,797,396
(80,106)
1,717,290
1,630,130
87,160
1,717,290		 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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 June 2025 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

Cash Flow Statement FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Net cash provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the reporting period		 2024
£
338,195
338,195
69,179
69,179
407,374
990,178
1,397,552		 2023
£
99,200
99,200
32,474
32,474
131,674
858,504
990,178

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2024 2023
£ £
Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of
Financial Activities) 360,094 163,995
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 11,551 11,551
Interest received (69,179) (32,474)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 35,729 (43,872)
Net cash provided by operations 338,195 99,200

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

Net cash
Cash at bank
Total		 At 1.9.23
£
990,178
990,178
990,178		 Cash flow
£
407,374
407,374
407,374		 At 31.8.24
£
1,397,552
1,397,552
1,397,552

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 9

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

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 10

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

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 11

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

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

3.

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
2024 2023
£ £
Donations 649 390
Grants 2,750 -
3,399 390
INVESTMENT INCOME
2024 2023
£ £
Interest and investment income 69,179 32,474

continued...

Page 12

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

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
Other income
Management of the Bristol District
Contributions from CAF
Grant funding
CPF distribution
Grant funding
Pension Reserve Fund
contribution refund
Grant funding
Connexion - Methodist
Action on Poverty and
Justice
Grant funding
Connexion - New Places for
New People funding
Grant funding		 2024
£
93,317
49,071
-
275,300
112,379
22,793
10,937
28,000
591,797		 2023
£
72,252
47,866
7,014
175,761
71,935
-
10,937
-
385,765

Assessment income is shown net of the payment to the Methodist Church Fund of £597,091 (2023 - £584,300) in accordance with national guidance.

5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Management of the Bristol District
Grant funding		 Direct
Costs (see
note 6)
£
134,948
-
134,948		 Grant
funding of
activities
(see note
7)
£
-
163,909
163,909		 Support
costs (see
note 8)
£
5,424
-
5,424		 Totals
£
140,372
163,909
304,281

Payment of assessment collected and passed on to the Methodist Church Fund of £597,091 (2023 - £584,300) has been netted off against the respective income in accordance with Methodist finance guidance.

continued...

Page 13

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

6. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Staff costs
Administration
Chair's costs
Manse costs
Ministry
Synod, committee and conference
Chair's stipend related costs
Depreciation
7.
GRANTS PAYABLE
Grant funding
The total grants paid to institutions during the year was as follows:
District Advance Fund grants
District Advance Fund - Warm Space grants
Churches Together
Other grants
The total grants paid to individuals during the year was as follows:
Other grants		 2024
£
45,615
7,491
8,475
6,736
310
5,699
49,071
11,551
134,948
2024
£
163,909
2024
£
146,104
10,481
4,146
-
160,731
2024
£
3,178		 2023
£
40,854
14,639
4,351
5,790
1,288
11,316
47,866
11,551
137,655
2023
£
113,559
2023
£
96,716
13,900
1,740
603
112,959
2023
£
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.

continued...

Page 14

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

8. SUPPORT COSTS

Governance
costs
£
Management of the Bristol District 5,424
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
2024 2023
Management
of the
Bristol Total
District activities
£ £
Independent examiner's remuneration 5,424 3,420

9. EXAMINER'S REMUNERATION

Amounts payable to the Independent Examiner comprise £1,415 (2023 - £1,350) for the independent examination and £4,129 (2023 - £2,070) 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 2024 nor for the year ended 31 August 2023.

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.

£ £
2023
2024
Stipend of Chair of District 31,020 29,040
3,754
7,812
7,260
47,866
5,790
4,351
10,141
Employers' NI 4,092
Employers' pension 6,204
Chair's allowance 7,755
Costs incurred by Connexion 49,071
Manse costs 6,736
Chair's expenses 8,475
15,211

continued...

Page 15

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS - continued

Trustees' expenses - continued

The stipend-related costs above totalling £49,071 (2023 - £47,866) 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

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 £912 (2023 - £772).

11. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2024
£
41,933
2,187
1,495
45,615		 2023
£
36,682
2,123
2,049
40,854

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2024 2023
Safeguarding and administration 4 3

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

In addition to the costs above, stipend-related costs of the Chair of £49,071 (2023 - £47,866) are borne by the Connexion. These costs appear both in the income of the District and the expenditure of the District.

In the prior year, employment-related costs of £6,807 for the District Administrator, who was employed by Wesley Methodist Church, are included in administration in note 6. The District Administrator is now employed by the District.

continued...

Page 16

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

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
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Management of the Bristol District
Grant funding
Total
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
13.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024
DEPRECIATION
At 1 September 2023
Charge for year
At 31 August 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2024
At 31 August 2023		 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
Freehold
property
£
577,549
69,306
11,551
80,857
496,692
508,243		 Restricted
funds
£
260
-
-
2,619
2,879
181
-
181
2,698
80,002
82,700
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
2,604
2,604
-
2,604
-
-		 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
Totals
£
580,153
71,910
11,551
83,461
496,692
508,243

continued...

Page 17

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

14. CASH AT BANK

Current accounts
TMCP and CFB
Total
Current accounts
TMCP and CFB
Total		 General
Fund
£
39,179
180,733
219,912
Chairman's
Gloucester
Benevolence
City Centre
Fund
Fund
£
£
-
-
18,435
54,868
18,435
54,868		 District
Advance
Fund
£
-
1,090,480
1,090,480
2024
Total
funds
£
39,179
1,358,373
1,397,552		 Bursary
Fund (Lay
Training)
£
-
13,857
13,857
2023
Total
funds
£
9,485
980,693
990,178

15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2024
£
Grants payable
91,304
Accruals and deferred income
5,544
96,848
16.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
2024
£
Grants payable
80,106		 2023
£
73,345
5,120
78,465
2023
£
62,760

continued...

Page 18

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

17. 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
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		 At 1.9.23
£
143,050
623,203
508,243
1,274,496
13,182
17,321
52,197
82,700
1,357,196
Incoming
resources
£
202,120
454,617
-
656,737
675
4,292
2,671
7,638
664,375		 Net
movement
in funds
£
71,318
295,867
(11,551)
355,634
675
1,114
2,671
4,460
360,094
Resources
expended
£
(130,802)
(158,750)
(11,551)
(301,103)
-
(3,178)
-
(3,178)
(304,281)		 At
31.8.24
£
214,368
919,070
496,692
1,630,130
13,857
18,435
54,868
87,160
1,717,290
Movement
in funds
£
71,318
295,867
(11,551)
355,634
675
1,114
2,671
4,460
360,094

continued...

Page 19

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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		 At 1.9.22
£
140,610
452,795
519,794
1,113,199
12,808
16,481
50,713
80,002
1,193,201		 Net
movement
in funds
£
2,440
170,408
(11,551)
161,297
374
840
1,484
2,698
163,995		 At
31.8.23
£
143,050
623,203
508,243
1,274,496
13,182
17,321
52,197
82,700
1,357,196

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
£
132,517
283,233
-
415,750
411
840
1,628
2,879
418,629		 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		 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
161,297
374
840
1,484
2,698
163,995

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.

continued...

Page 20

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Fixed assets 508,243 - 508,243
Current assets 907,478 82,700 990,178
Current liabilities (78,465) - (78,465)
Liabilities due in more than 1 year (62,760) - (62,760)
Total net assets 1,474,496 82,700 1,357,196

18. 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 2024 was £1,495 (2023- £1,386).

continued...

Page 21

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

19. 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 2024 (2023 - no transactions).

Page 22

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Grants
Investment income
Interest and investment income
Charitable activities
Assessment or Share
Contributions from CAF
CPF distribution
Pension Reserve Fund contribution refund
Contribution to Chair's stipend related costs
Connexion - Methodist Action on Poverty and
Justice
Connexion - New Places for New People
funding
Other income
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Wages
Social security
Pensions
Administration
Chair's costs
Manse costs
Ministry
Synod, committee and conference
Chair's stipend related costs
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Grants to institutions
Grants to individuals		 2024
£
649
2,750
3,399
69,179
93,317
275,300
112,379
22,793
49,071
10,937
28,000
-
591,797
664,375
41,933
2,187
1,495
7,491
8,475
6,736
310
5,699
49,071
11,551
160,731
3,178
298,857		 2023
£
390
-
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
1,288
11,316
47,866
11,551
112,959
600
251,214

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 23

BRISTOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Support costs
Governance costs
Independent examiner's remuneration
Total resources expended
Net income		 2024
£
5,424
304,281
360,094		 2023
£
3,420
254,634
163,995

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 24