Circuit Accruals Accounts 2024-2025
THE METHODIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2025
Sutton Methodist Circuit Registered Charity - Registration number District No / Circuit No 35/39 Ministers Rev Catherine Hutton Rev Bethany Lewis Rev Ung Soon Nguang Rev Hendry Ponniah Deacon Marie Poole Circuit Stewards Mrs Maureen Patel Mr Ka Fai Man Mr Vijendran Asirwatham Mrs Jane Barden ~~=~~ Mr Richard Smith Circuit Treasurer
1135076
Sutton Methodist Circuit Trustees' Annual Report
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Introduction, Mission and Review | 1 |
| Financial review (budget, income, expenditure, conclusions) | 2 |
| Financial effect of significant events | 2 |
| Fund balances | 3 |
| Valuation of properties | 3 |
| Reserves policy | 3 |
| Reserves in the circuit | 3 |
| Volunteers | 3 |
| Plans for 2025/25 | 3 |
| Basis of preparation and legal framework | 4 |
| Aims and organisation | 5 |
| Public Benefit | 5 |
| Structure, Governance and Management | 5 |
| Trustee Training | 5 |
| Related Parties | 5 |
| Risk Assessment, Safeguarding | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities (2024-2025) | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities (2023-2024) | 8 |
| Balance Sheet | 9 |
| Note 1 Basis of accounting and accounting policies | 10 |
| Note 2 Donations and legacies | 12 |
| Note 3 Shares from Churches | 12 |
| Note 4 Income from other trading activities | 12 |
| Note 5 Income from investments and sale of property | 12 |
| Note 6 Trust Fund Management Charges | 12 |
| Note 7 Salaries and associated costs | 13 |
| Note 7a Cost of Superintendent, Presbyters and Trustees | 13 |
| Note 8 Invitation expenses | 13 |
| Note 9 Property | 14 |
| Note 10 Grants to circuit churches | 15 |
| Note 11 Office expenses | 15 |
| Note 12 Transfers | 15 |
| Note 13 Trust funds | 16 |
| Note BS1 Manses & Other Property | 17 |
| Note BS2 Investment Assets (and Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes) | 17 |
| Note BS3 Debtors and Prepayments | 17 |
| Note BS4 Analysis of cash at bank | 17 |
| Note BS5 Creditors, Accruals and Income in Advance | 18 |
| Note BS6.1 General fund | 18 |
| Note BS6.2 Circuit Model Trust Fund and Manse Fund | 18 |
| Note BS7 Related Parties | 19 |
| Note BS8 Agency Collections and Payments | 19 |
| Appendix A Circuit Meeting membership | 20 |
| Movement of Trustees | 21 |
| Sutton Methodist Circuit declarations | 22 |
| Independent Examiner's declaration | 23 |
Sutton Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Introduction
Sutton Methodist Circuit covers an area in north east Surrey. It is part of the London District. It is registered with the Charity Commission, number 1135076, and its affairs are governed by Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976). It has been registered at Charities Commission as Sutton Methodist Circuit.
The Mission of the Circuit
The Mission statement of the Sutton Circuit
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enable the churches to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and further God's Kingdom.
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be aware of God's presence through the Holy Spirit in all we do in God's name.
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support each Church in its endeavours to fulfil its potential in responding to opportunities of service and growth.
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enable the staff of the Circuit both ministerial and lay to fulfil their potential in a supportive Circuit environment.
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support ecumenical ventures and to encourage further ecumenical work. The ministers concentrate on the mission of their local churches but support each other through regular meetings. The work of the ministers and lay members is supported with prayer. The Circuit Leadership Team (Staff and Circuit Stewards) meet regularly to plan and agree policy and oversee the ongoing work of the Circuit
Review of the year
- Mission: Monitor progress of the mission projects funded in 2023/24. All projects except one have now been funded. Work is continuing or has been completed on all of them.
■ Continue exploration of means of sustaining and increasing active involvement of young people and young adults across the circuit.
Progress has been made, especially at the larger churches where there are uniformed youth groups, family centres/nurseries and where the circuit's engagement of pastors with a focus on young people has been of significant benefit.
- Wallington Church Development: Support the Wallington leadership in evaluating and pursuing their revised strategy based on retaining and enhancing the current church buildings.
Wallington have decided not to pursue the redevelopment of the whole site. They will retain the church and hall and sell off the land behind the church and hall. With the funds raised they will refurbish both the church and the hall. They have already commenced the refurbishment of the church with excellent results.
- Mission: Monitor progress of the mission projects funded between 2023 and 2025.
The circuit churches regularly report back to the Circuit Meeting on the progress of their mission activities which arose from the circuit challenge some years ago. There is continual progress in a number of them.
■ Continue exploration of means of sustaining and increasing active involvement of young people and young adults across the circuit.
Mission growth plans are being developed to help leaders to involve young people and adults in activities which help them to find an active place in their churches.
- Wallington Church Development: Support the Wallington leadership in evaluating and pursuing their revised strategy based on retaining and enhancing the current church buildings. There is experience in the Wallington church as well as in the circuit and among the connexional heads to help Wallington to plan the way forward in selling the land behind the church and to plan for the refurbishment of the church and adjoining hall.
■ Improve the promotion of individual church events across the circuit. Dates, times and decsciptions of events are circulated among the churches to be included in their publicity.
- Succession Management.
Consideration of the replacement of roles in the circuit as people stand down, mainly due to age and years service is being given.
■ Budget: produced a balanced budget for 2025/26. The management of the circuit funds is kept under close scrutiny, especially with the likelihood of purchasing a compliant manse and how funds are organised.
Page 1
Sutton Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Financial Review
Budget
Each year the circuit sets a budget for income and expenditure which is approved by the Circuit Meeting.
Income
-
The assessments have been received from all the churches.
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The interest received was £73,340 (2023/24 £80,062). This is again well above budget since the circuit benefited from the stabilised recovery in the money markets and an increased financial balance.
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The circuit is now operating with the funds divided between circuit operations and church development. The funds are split between the 2 areas.
Expenditure
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Stipend expenditure has increased each financial year in line with Conference approved increases. £75,748 (2023/24 £61,831 22.5%) (22.5%) 29.5% of expenditure is the Circuit contribution to the District and Connexion, of which a significant part is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church. The Manse Fund shows that £29,197 (2023/24 £21,729) was spent on manse repairs. The current balance is £65,019.
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All other items of expenditure were within budget.
Conclusions
All items in the accounts were close to budget except interest (see above) and administration (due to larger costs for service expenses). There was a surplus in the General Fund of £13,356. This is expected to occur in 2025/26, again but decrease due to interest on invested funds and the purchase of a manse which will deplete the circuit's financial reserves.
Financial effect of significant events
The reorganisation of the finances in the circuit funds has made it easier to identify the state of the circuit funds. The general fund and manse fund are held in the CAF Bank account and 2 CFB deposit funds. The model trust money is held in the trust fund at TMCP and the third CFB fund. The general fund balance was £487,313 and the manse fund balance was £65,019. The trust funds balance was £1,551,637. This indicates that there are sufficient funds to continue with the financial operation of the circuit and that there are adequate funds for circuit churches to approach for the funding of their own projects. It is expected that one manse will be let during the year and a manse to Methodist requirements will be purchased. There are adequate funds to enable this to take place.
/continued on next page
Page 2
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Fund balances
General Fund
As at 31st August 2025 the net current assets of the Circuit were £487,313. This is above the required reserves policy level of £339,636.
Circuit Model Trust Fund
This is an unrestricted fund and can be applied to for appropriate capital items or projects.
Factors affecting the financial future of the circuit are mainly the guarantee of income from the assessment from each church. Whereas the circuit seeks to be able to be self-sufficient from the assessment, in the event that there is a shortfall which cannot be recovered from, it is permitted to seek approval to raise funds from the Model Trust Fund. Due to previous income from previous sales, the Model Trust Fund has enough funds to be able to support the circuit.
Valuation of Properties
The manses were included in the balance sheet at historical cost for the first time in 2015/16. The current total is £132,950.
Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to 1 year’s average expenditure. This is now sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on manses and/or to be able to continue, in the short term, funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches.
Reserves of the Circuit
The balance of funds in the circuit at the end of the year was £1,551,637. Of this £132,950 is now the historical value of the manses. The balance comprises £487,313 in the general fund, £999,305 in the Model Trust Fund and £65,019 in the manse fund. Though the manses have been valued at historical level, their sale in the current climate would probably realise over £2m.
Volunteers
The Church is heavily reliant on volunteers who contribute their skills, time and money in the furtherance of the work of the Church. In the Circuit the principal contribution is by serving on committees of the Circuit that deal with mission, manses, finance, policy, grants, training, safeguarding and risk. We are grateful to all of them for their help and commitment. No attempt has been made by the Circuit to value the non-monetary contributions to the Circuit in monetary terms.
Plans for 2025/26
Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there remain 4 full time staff with anticipated cost of living stipend increases combined with an increase in the assessment paid to the district. It is anticipated that there will be a surplus on the annual costs of about £22,000. With the continued respectable interest rates, this will continue to enhance the general fund.
The following issues will be focused upon during the 2025-2026 year.
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Mission: Monitor progress of the mission projects funded between 2023 and 2025.
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Continue exploration of means of sustaining and increasing active involvement of young people and young adults across the circuit.
-
Wallington Church Development: Support the Wallington leadership in evaluating and pursuing their revised strategy based on retaining and enhancing the current church buildings.
-
Improve the promotion of individual church events across the circuit.
-
Succession Management.
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Budget: produced a balanced budget for 2025/26.
Page 3
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Basis of preparation and legal framework
The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2019 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS 102).
Full Name of Charity Sutton Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number 1135076 Date of registration 22nd March 2010 Main communication address Mr Paul Gotts
c/o Circuit Administrator, Sutton Trinity Church, Cheam Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DZ
The members of the Sutton Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of circuit office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches.
Full membership is shown in Appendix A to this report.
Circuit Ministers and officers Active Circuit Ministers Rev Catherine Hutton Rev Hendry Ponniah Rev Ung Soon Nguang Deacon Marie Poole Circuit Stewards Mrs Maureen Patel Mr Ka Fai Man Mr Vijendran Asirwatham Mrs Jane Barden
Administrator
Mr Paul Gotts
Mr Richard T Smith acted as the principal officer overseeing the day to day financial management and accounting for the circuit during the year.
Independent Examiner JCS Accountants Ltd 5 Robin Hood Lane, Sutton, SM1 2SW Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Methodist Church House, 25 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SF Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes Central Buildings, Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JQ
CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ
Page 4
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Aims and organisation
Charity objective is to act as a resource provider within the area around the London Borough of Sutton and the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council 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.
The Sutton Circuit shall seek to:
Advance the Christian faith by supporting individual churches in the circuit.
Provide facilities for public acts of worship open to members and non-members alike.
Enable pastoral care throughout the circuit for the benefit of members and non-members alike with respect to the teaching of Christianity and visiting the needy by appointing ministers, organising preaching, appointing and guiding lay leaders.
Public Benefit
We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Structure, Governance and Management
The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976)
Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD).
Day to day management of the circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership team along with the Local Preachers meeting and the Circuit Stewards.
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 London District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches are linked to the circuit:
Sutton Trinity (Methodist/URC LEP) Wallington Carshalton Banstead Epsom Cheam St John's (Anglican/Methodist LEP) St Mark's (Anglican/Methodist LEP)
Page 5
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Risk Assessment
There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded of risks identified within the circuit. This is carried out by an independent Risk Assessment Group which reports to the Trustees.
The following are the major risks in the circuit:
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Church closures
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Not enough lay staff to take on circuit responsibilities. Staff and volunteers who leave cannot easily be replaced.
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Circuit churches are unable to meet the budget with their shares leading to Circuit expenditure exceeding income.
Arising from these identified risks, the circuit is aware of them all and takes them into consideration when the circuit stewards meet as a managing group and the full circuit leadership team meets to discuss policy and the future.
Factors affecting the financial future of the circuit are mainly the guarantee of income from the assessment from each church. Whereas the circuit seeks to be able to be self-sufficient from the assessment, in the event that there is a shortfall which cannot be recovered from, it is permitted to seek approval to raise funds from the Model Trust Fund.
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.
Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles:
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the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults
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the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
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the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.
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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.
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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.
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We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
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We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
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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.
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In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice
The Sutton 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 Sutton 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.
Trustees' responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and
• 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 maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. 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.
The Trustees' Annual Report was approved by the Circuit Meeting on 17th March 2026 and signed on behalf of the trustees by:
Rev Catherine Hutton Circuit Meeting Chair
17th March 2026
Page 6
Sutton Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2025
| Notes to the accounts |
Unrestricted funds (General Fund) |
Designated Funds (Circuit Model Trust Fund) |
Designated Funds (Manse Maintenance Fund) |
Total 2024-25 |
Total 2023-24 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income and endowments from: | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | - | 28,760 | 28,760 | 10,336 | |
| Shares from churches | 3 | 260,861 | 260,861 | 245,219 | ||
| Other trading activities | ||||||
| Lettings | 4 | 26,400 | - | 26,400 | 26,400 | |
| Investments | ||||||
| Interest | 5 | 19,193 | 54,147 | 73,340 | 80,062 | |
| Other income | ||||||
| Net sale of Bandon Hill Methodist Centre | - | - | - | |||
| Total income | 306,454 | 82,907 | - | 389,361 | 362,017 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||||||
| Raising funds | ||||||
| Levyon sale of BHMC | - | - | - | |||
| Trust fund management charges | 6 | 42,803 | 42,803 | 39,502 | ||
| Charitable activities | ||||||
| Ministerial stipends and expenses | 7 8 | 223,914 | 223,914 | 222,903 | ||
| Ministerial invitations | 8 | - | - | 611 | ||
| Manse maintenance and servicing | 9 | 22,387 | 29,197 | 51,584 | 42,652 | |
| Grants to circuit churches | 10 | - | 23,120 | 23,120 | 166,576 | |
| Administration | 11 | 11,797 | 11,994 | 23,791 | 22,791 | |
| Total | 258,098 | 77,917 | 29,197 | 365,212 | 495,035 | |
| Netgains/(losses)on investments | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 48,356 | 4,990 | (29,197) | 24,149 | (133,018) | |
| Transfers between funds | 12 | (35,000) | - | 35,000 | - | - |
| Other recognisedgains/(losses) | ||||||
| Gains/(losses)on revaluation of fixed | - | - | - | |||
| Actuarialgains/(losses)on defined benefit | ||||||
| Othergains/(losses) | - | - | ||||
| Net movement in funds | 13,356 | 4,990 | 5,803 | 24,149 | (133,018) | |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 473,957 | 994,315 | 59,216 | 1,527,488 | 1,660,506 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 487,313 | 999,305 | 65,019 | 1,551,637 | 1,527,488 | |
| For information only. Money received and passed on to External Organisations - Offerings/Gifts - received for External Organisations 9,760 Offerings/Gifts - passed to External Organisations 9,760 - Balance brought forward from last year Balance carried forward |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| 10,159 | ||||||
| 10,159 | ||||||
| - |
Page 7
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024
| Notes to the accounts |
Unrestricted funds (General Fund) |
Designated Funds (Circuit Model Trust Fund) |
Designated Funds (Manse Maintenance Fund) |
Total 2023-24 |
Total 2022-23 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income and endowments from: | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 127 | 10,209 | 10,336 | 73,857 | |
| Shares from churches | 3 | 245,219 | 245,219 | 170,722 | ||
| Other trading activities | ||||||
| Lettings | 4 | 26,400 | - | 26,400 | 11,000 | |
| Investments | ||||||
| Interest | 5 | 20,987 | 59,075 | 80,062 | 37,563 | |
| Other income | ||||||
| Net sale of Bandon Hill Methodist Centre | - | - | 930,722 | |||
| Total income | 292,733 | 69,284 | - | 362,017 | 1,223,864 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||||||
| Raising funds | ||||||
| Levyon sale of BHMC | - | - | 494,289 | |||
| Trust fund management charges | 6 | 39,502 | 39,502 | 20,611 | ||
| Charitable activities | ||||||
| Ministerial stipends and expenses | 7 8 | 222,903 | 222,903 | 204,176 | ||
| Ministerial invitations | 8 | 611 | 611 | 7,891 | ||
| Manse maintenance and servicing | 9 | 20,923 | 21,729 | 42,652 | 109,326 | |
| Grants to circuit churches | 10 | - | 166,576 | 166,576 | 49,120 | |
| Administration | 11 | 10,798 | 11,993 | 22,791 | 21,305 | |
| Total | 255,235 | 218,071 | 21,729 | 495,035 | 906,718 | |
| Netgains/(losses)on investments | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 37,498 | (148,787) | (21,729) | (133,018) | 317,146 | |
| Transfers between funds | 12 | (38,693) | 3,693 | 35,000 | - | - |
| Other recognisedgains/(losses) | ||||||
| Gains/(losses)on revaluation of fixed | - | - | - | |||
| Actuarialgains/(losses)on defined benefit | ||||||
| Othergains/(losses) | - | - | ||||
| Net movement in funds | (1,195) | (145,094) | 13,271 | (133,018) | 317,146 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 475,152 | 1,139,409 | 45,945 | 1,660,506 | 1,343,360 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 473,957 | 994,315 | 59,216 | 1,527,488 | 1,660,506 | |
| For information only. Money received and passed on to External Organisations - Offerings/Gifts - received for External Organisations 10,159 Offerings/Gifts - passed to External Organisations 10,159 - Balance carried forward Balance brought forward from last year |
||||||
| - | - | |||||
| 10,159 | 9,549 | |||||
| 10,159 | 9,549 | |||||
| - | - |
Page 8
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025
| Tangible Fixed Assets Notes* |
Tangible Fixed Assets Notes* |
Unrestricted (General Fund) £ |
Circuit Model Trust Fund |
Manse Maintenance Fund £ |
Totals this year £ |
Totals this year £ |
Totals last year £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | |||||||
| Circuit Manses & Equipment | BS1 | 132,950 | 132,950 | 132,950 | |||
| Bandon Hill Methodist Centre | - | - | - | ||||
| Investments | BS2 | - | - | ||||
| Total fixed assets | 132,950 | - | - | 132,950 | 132,950 | ||
| Current Assets | |||||||
| Debtors | BS3 | 16,171 | 60,000 | 76,171 | 76,647 | ||
| Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes | BS2 | 622,518 | 622,518 | 687,396 | |||
| Central Finance Board Deposits | BS4 | 409,768 | 470,314 | 65,019 | 945,101 | 869,222 | |
| Cash at Bank and in hand | BS4 | 23,033 | - | 23,033 | 3,713 | ||
| Total current assets | 448,972 | 1,152,832 | 65,019 | 1,666,823 | 1,636,978 | ||
| Current liabilities | 248,136 1,418,687 1,551,637 - 1,551,637 487,313 999,305 65,019 1,551,637 |
||||||
| Creditors(due in under 1year) | BS5 | 94,609 | 153,527 | 248,136 | 242,440 | ||
| Net current assets (liabilities) | 354,363 | 999,305 | 65,019 | 1,418,687 | 1,394,538 | ||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 487,313 | 999,305 | 65,019 | 1,551,637 | 1,527,488 | ||
| Creditors and Accruals including any loans (due after more than 1 year) |
- | - | - | ||||
| Net assets | 487,313 | 999,305 | 65,019 | 1,551,637 | 1,527,488 | ||
| Funds of the Circuit | |||||||
| General Fund(Unrestricted) | BS6.1 | 487,313 | 487,313 | 473,957 | |||
| Circuit Model Trust Fund(Unrestricted) | BS6.2 | 999,305 | 999,305 | 994,315 | |||
| Manse Maintenance | 9 | 65,019 | 65,019 | 59,216 | |||
| Total Funds | 487,313 | 999,305 | 65,019 | 1,551,637 | 1,527,488 | ||
| *Details - see Note 11 |
Summary of the Internal Organisations reporting to the Circuit Meeting. Note that the funds of an Internal Organisation would normally be Restricted funds unless it could be clearly shown that they could be used for any Methodist purpose.
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 17th March 2026 and were signed on their behalf
Rev Catherine Hutton 17th March 2026
Page 9
Sutton Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Notes to the Accounts
1 Basis of accounting and accounting policies
i Basis: SORP and Standards
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective 1 January 2019, SORP(FRS102), and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, FRS 102.
ii Public benefit entity
The Sutton Methodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The Circuit is an unincorporated charity and its official address is Sutton Trinity Church, Cheam Road, Sutton, SM1 1DZ. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s) below.
iii Basis
These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost. The accruals basis has been used and trustees present accounts that show a true and fair view of the Circuit's financial position and activities. The accounts are prepared in pounds sterling rounded to the nearest pound.
iv FRS102 SORP2019
These accounts are compliant with FRS102 and with the FRS102 SORP 2019. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and the 2008 accounting and reporting regulations made thereunder, based on the current version of the Charities SORP (SORP(FRS102)), as disclosed above, in order to be able to show a true and fair view, as permitted by the regulations.
v Going concern
Based on the monetary assets and human resources available at 31 August 2025, the trustees believe that the Circuit is a going concern and there are no material uncertainties affecting this conclusion.
vi Consolidation
The Circuit has denominational regulatory oversight in respect of the work of the Churches within the Circuit but has no legal or operational control of those Churches and their governing bodies except in extreme circumstances. For this reason, the financial statements of Churches within the Circuit are not consolidated into these financial statements.
vii Income recognition
Income is brought into account when there is entitlement and the amount is reliably measurable once it is more likely than not that the economic benefit of the income will be forthcoming.
The Circuit acts as agent in three matters:
The collection from Churches and payment over of their contributions to various Funds controlled and administered by The Methodist Church - "Connexional Funds"
The administration of a payroll service for employees in Churches in the Circuit. The Circuit will carry out the payroll duties in accordance with HMRC requirements and will pay the employees from Circuit funds. This payment will be reimbursed to the Circuit during the same Connexional year so that payment of salaries, NIC and tax to HMRC will be reimbursed in the same accounting period. The amount paid and received, an equal amount, will be recorded in the SOFA as equal income and expenditure.
The administration (application, collection and disbursement) of grants requested by Churches within the circuit from, but not limited to, the District and Connexion.
In all these matters the transactions are not reflected in the SOFA because they are the income of either the Connexion or Churches as appropriate. Instead the transactions are disclosed in the Notes to the Accounts as required by SORP(FRS102).
In Accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the time of volunteers is not recognised. Further information on this matter is provided in the Trustees' Annual Report.
viii
Expenditure
This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, where the amount is reliably measurable and it is considered more likely than not that there will be an outflow of economic benefit.
ix Grants
Grants made by the Circuit from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of agreement to make a grant without performance conditions or as and when the Circuit accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment if it is subject to performance conditions. When the grant to be accrued is recurrent over more than one year the balance payable in future years, discounted to net present value where the difference is material, is treated as a provision for future commitments in the balance sheet against the appropriate fund, the provision being released in future years in accordance with the originally agreed terms.
x VAT
Since the Circuit is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers.
Page 10
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Notes to the Accounts
xi Tangible fixed assets
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £1,000.
The freehold and/or long leasehold residential property is shown in the accounts at deemed historical cost representing each property's gross carrying value at time of being built or purchased. No depreciation is provided because the trustees consider the residual value of the property in its present condition to be not less than its insurance cost and, in the absence of any evidence of impairment, any depreciation provision for the buildings component of the property would be immaterial.
xii Monetary Investments
The Circuit's investments are deposited with TMCP as custodian trustees. The valuations, at market value, are those provided by TMCP.
xiii Receivables and Payables; Bank and Cash
Debtors are stated at the amounts owed to the Circuit or prepaid. Creditors are recognised at the amount expected to be settled.
xiv Methodist Connexional Funds
The Methodist Church Connexion raises assessments against Circuits and these are paid quarterly to their Districts. The Circuits raise assessments against Churches in the Circuit. The District quarterly remits to The Methodist Church Fund most of the sum received from the Circuits. A small sum is retained by the District to meet its own costs. The Circuit may act as agent for ad hoc collections for various funds controlled and administered by the Methodist Church. These are detailed in Note BS9 below.
xv Minister's manse costs
The Circuit is required to provide accommodation for each minister in the Circuit and their families and this is seen as a benefit to the Circuit. Ministers are expected to occupy the manse provided for them. The Circuit bears the cost of repairs, maintenance, buildings insurance, Council Tax and water charges. These figures are not separately disclosed as benefits-inkind for ministers as HMRC does not seek to tax these receipts in the hands of ministers.
Page 11
Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Notes to the Accounts
- 2 Major funds in the Methodist Church are supported by donations from local churches. These total £9,760 and are reported in BS9. There were no legacies.
3 Shares from Churches
The circuit is comprised of 8 churches. Each church is invited to fund an assessment towards the stated budget of the circuit to meet the overall costs. In making its assessment payment, budgeted income from investment income, (including property letting) is taken into account. The circuit aims to cover its net core costs from the total of the assessment made. For 2024/25 this has been possible because of increased income from investments. The overall surplus on the year was just under £118,000 which is a big improvement over past years.
The assessments from churches are made quarterly in advance and are treated as a prepayment on a receivable basis. If any church has not paid its share by the due date the sum in question is treated as a debtor.
Assessment monies contributing to the district assessment paid from church to district via circuit are not recognised as income/expenditure in the accounts of the circuit. The circuit is acting as agent and monies passing through are netted off. The reported figure (£260,861) is the total assessment income (£336,609) less the assessment paid to and through the district (£14,487 and £61,261).
| Church | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sutton Trinity | 68,000 | 60,000 | Assessment | 336,609 | 307,050 | |
| Wallington | 30,000 | 18,000 | Deduct for: | |||
| Carshalton | 39,000 | 35,000 | District | 14,487 | 8,904 | |
| Banstead | 30,000 | 26,000 | Connexion | 61,261 | 52,927 | |
| Epsom | 92,000 | 92,000 | Net income | 260,861 | 245,219 | |
| Chinese Congregation(Epsom) | 63,000 | 63,000 | ||||
| Cheam | 11,000 | 9,750 | ||||
| St John's | 1,409 | 1,300 | ||||
| St Mark's | 2,200 | 2,000 | ||||
| Total | 336,609 | 307,050 |
| 4 | Income from other trading activities | Income from other trading activities | Income from other trading activities | Income from other trading activities | Income from other trading activities | Income from other trading activities | Income from other trading activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | Restricted | Transfers | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Rental income lettingof manses | 26,400 | 26,400 | 26,400 |
5 Income from investments
- £73,340 (2023/24 £80,062) was received as interest from TMCP trusts and CFB funds.
6 Trust Fund Management Charges
District Assessment & Levy
The District Assessment is calculated relative to the proportion of church members and staffing (Presbyters and lay staff graded by hours worked per week as well as investments) of all Circuits in the London District. 65% of the overall cost is calculated using relative membership proportions, 25% using relative staff proportions and 10% using each circuit's reserves.
The Levy is calculated on a sliding scale as a percentage of the Circuit's CMTF account balance as at 31 August the previous accounting year. It is taken by the Trust for Methodist Church Purposes and paid to the district in which the circuit resides for the District Advance Fund for making grants to churches in the district.
| grants to churches in the district. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | 2025 | 2024 | |
| District Expenses | - | 14,487 | 14,487 | 8,904 |
| Methodist Church Fund(MCF) | 61,261 | 61,261 | 52,927 | |
| Levyon CMTF Funds | - | 42,803 | 42,803 | 39,502 |
| Totals | - | 118,551 | 118,551 | 101,333 |
The charges listed above are taken by the Trust for Methodist Church Purposes and are paid to the district in which the circuit resides for the District Advance Fund for making grants to churches in the district.
Page 12
Sutton Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
7 Salaries and associated costs
Stipends were paid to 3 presbyters and 1 deacon
| Circuitpresbyters & lay pastor | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Stipends | 139,720 | 135,080 |
| National Insurance Contributions | 14,735 | 12,471 |
| Pension Fund Contributions | 24,816 | 31,247 |
| URC Levy | 12,520 | 11,752 |
| Computers for ministry | 828 | 776 |
| Travelling | 4,764 | 6,388 |
| Telephone | 5,126 | 6,214 |
| Removals,Stationing& Removal | - | 611 |
| ApprenticeshipLevy | 705 | 683 |
| SundryExpenses | 1,676 | 1,025 |
| Supernumerariespreaching | 352 | 248 |
| Total | 205,242 | 206,495 |
| Circuit administrator -part time | ||
| Salary | 17,175 | 15,989 |
| National Insurance Contributions | 1,411 | 951 |
| Pension Fund Contributions | - | - |
| ApprenticeshipLevy | 86 | 79 |
| Total | 18,672 | 17,019 |
| Total for all staff | 223,914 | 223,514 |
In addition, the circuit employs an operations manager and a circuit administrator, a total of 6 employees.
Pensions
Most ordained presbyters and deacons are members of the Methodist Ministers' Pension Scheme (MMPS). This is a defined benefit scheme. The Supreme Court held in 2014 that Methodist ministers (which term includes presbyters and deacons) are not employees of the Church. For simplicity, however, when dealing with National Insurance Contributions and pension contributions, the terms 'employer' and 'employee' are used as they would be in an employing body.
The Connexion accounts for both pension schemes and shows the figures in the annual Methodist Church in Great Britain accounts. The MMPS has been revalued and is now in surplus. As a result, the employer contribution has been reduced from 26.9% (2024/24) to 20.0% (2025/25). No employees received benefits over £60,000 in the year.
7a Cost of Superintendent, Presbyters and Trustees
The Superintendent of the Circuit, the other Presbyters and the remaining members of the Circuit Leadership Team (CLT) are considered as Key Management Personnel. The Superintendent chairs meetings of the CLT and Circuit Meetings. The members of the Circuit Meeting are trustees of the Circuit. The stipends, employer's NIC and employer's pension contributions and other expenses of the Presbyters of the Circuit are paid by the Connexion but funded by the circuit.
The manses are provided by the Circuit and the Circuit maintains the properties. The value of the council tax and water charges paid by the circuit is not disclosed here as HMRC does not regard this as a benefit-in-kind in the hands of the minister.
Each Presbyter is entitled to a 3 month sabbatical every 7 years and the expenses incurred by the Presbyter are met by the Connexion with the Circuit continuing to pay the stipend. During the year there have been no sabbaticals. The Circuit does not accrue for holiday pay cover as the remaining staff cover the holidays as needed without extra pay. Had additional cover been required the cost of this is met by the Circuit.
8 Invitation expenses
| Unrestricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel and associated expenses | - | - | 611 | |
| Removals | - | - | - | |
| Total | - | - | 611 |
Page 13
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
9 Property
The Circuit is managing trustee for 5 manses of which 4 are occupied by ministers and a deacon stationed in the circuit. The Circuit is responsible for the payment of Council Tax, Water charges and Insurance.
The cost of ongoing maintenance and improvements to all properties is funded through a manse repairs budget and currently £35,000 is set aside each year from the General Fund and deposited in the Manse Repairs Fund. The level of the budget is reviewed by the trustees each year. If it is considered that the balance in this fund is sufficient for the following year, a request is made to the Circuit Meeting for there to be a holiday in paying for the upcoming year. This last occurred in 2022/23.
Expenditure on Manses
| Expenditure on Manses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manse | Maintenance Contracts |
Repairs Maintenance Improvements |
2025 | 2024 |
| 35 Arundel Road | 1,080 | 6,424 | 7,504 | 10,909 |
| 29 West Hill Avenue | 1,080 | 2,174 | 3,254 | 3,967 |
| 16 Hall Road | 1,080 | 8,784 | 9,864 | 3,261 |
| 116 Manor Green Road | 1,080 | 1,402 | 2,482 | 1,170 |
| 37 Tattenham Way | - | 4,593 | 4,593 | 2,422 |
| Survey2 Tintagel Close | 1,500 | 1,500 | - | |
| Total | 4,320 | 24,877 | 29,197 | 21,729 |
Council tax, insurance and utilities
| Manse | Council Tax | Insurance | Water Supply |
2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 Arundel Road | 3,682 | 1,078 | 415 | 5,175 | 5,172 |
| 29 West Hill Avenue | 3,922 | 1,269 | 469 | 5,660 | 5,621 |
| 16 Hall Road | 3,682 | 929 | 304 | 4,915 | 4,949 |
| 116 Manor Green Road | 3,400 | 850 | 419 | 4,669 | 4,110 |
| 37 Tattenham Way | - | 1,016 | - | 1,016 | 904 |
| Unallocated | 952 | 952 | 167 | ||
| Total | 14,686 | 6,094 | 1,607 | 22,387 | 20,923 |
| From Maintenance | 29,197 | 21,729 | |||
| Total | 51,584 | 42,652 |
Letting Expenses
37 Tattenham Way is now let on the open market and is currently occupied and a rent of £2,200 is being received.
Manse Maintenance Fund
| Manse Maintenance Fund | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Openingbalance | 59,216 | 45,945 |
| Transfer from General Fund(budget) | 35,000 | 35,000 |
| Expenditure on manses | (29,197) | (21,729) |
| Balance of manse maintenance fund | 65,019 | 59,216 |
Page 14
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
10 Grants to circuit churches
The Sutton Circuit makes grants to the circuit churches from the funds received from the sale of a manse and a church.
| church. | |
|---|---|
| Grants made in 2023/2024 | |
| Wallington church repairs and development | 63,456 |
| Carshalton dementia café | 3,120 |
| Epsom refurbishment of communityhall kitchen | 50,000 |
| Epsom lay pastor remainder of originalgrant of £105,000 | 50,000 |
| Total | 166,576 |
| Grants made in 2024/2025 | |
| Carshalton dementia café | 3,120 |
| Chinese Congregation lay pastor | 20,000 |
| Total | 23,120 |
11 Office expenses
| Office expenses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | CMTF | 2025 | 2024 | |
| Local Preacher expenses | 461 | 461 | 113 | |
| Quinquennial inspections | 985 | 985 | - | |
| Administration | 401 | 401 | ||
| Training | 1,567 | 1,567 | 780 | |
| Independent Examiner | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,640 | |
| Conference Minutes,CPD & Membershiptickets | 1,291 | 1,291 | 476 | |
| Administrator's expenses(travel and stationery) | 1,878 | 1,878 | 2,108 | |
| Laptopfor Circuit Administrator | - | - | 1,155 | |
| Circuit service expenses | 2,165 | 2,165 | 2,857 | |
| Website | 657 | 657 | 9 | |
| Banking | 60 | 60 | 60 | |
| Sundry | 332 | 332 | 600 | |
| TMCP Admin/investment Management Fees | - | 2,234 | 2,234 | 1,834 |
| Value of Connexional Funds donations | - | 9,760 | 9,760 | 10,159 |
| Total | 11,797 | 11,994 | 23,791 | 22,791 |
12 Transfers
The following transfers were made in the SOFA.
Manse Fund allocation 35,000
Page 15
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
13 Trust Funds
Churches are able to seek grant funding for projects within their own church from Circuit Model Trust Fund monies. These funds are held in a CFB fund and 1 trust fund as detailed below.
| Circuit CFB Fund 02647030 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1st September 2024 | 402,040 | 571,050 |
| Interest | 20,514 | 25,753 |
| Grant received for operations manager | 19,000 | - |
| Grant to Epsom for lay pastor | (20,000) | (25,000) |
| Grant to Wallington | (63,456) | |
| Loan to Wallington | (60,000) | |
| Grant to Epsom for stage/kitchenproject | (50,000) | (50,000) |
| Grant to Chinese congregation for lay pastor | (20,000) | |
| Grant to Carshalton | (6,240) | |
| Transfer from Model Trust Fund 8744 | 125,000 | - |
| Transfer to CFB 02647010 | - | - |
| Transfer to CFB 02647010 | - | - |
| Interest shown ingeneral fund in 2023/24 | 3,693 | |
| Balance in circuit CFB Fund 02647030 at 31st August 2025 | 470,314 | 402,040 |
| Circuit Model Trust Fund 8744 | ||
| Balance at 1st September 2024 | 687,396 | 643,359 |
| Interest | 33,633 | 33,322 |
| Sale of Sutton TrinityTennis Club | - | 60,001 |
| Levyon sale of Sutton TrinityTennis Club | - | (8,000) |
| TrinityChurch lift installation | (44,502) | |
| Addition from sale of Bandon Hill Methodist Church | - | 50 |
| TMCP administration | (2,234) | (1,834) |
| District levy | (42,803) | (39,502) |
| Sale of 32 Carshalton Place | 153,381 | |
| Levyon sale of Carshalton Place | (37,353) | |
| Transfer to 02647030 forgrants and circuit reserve | (125,000) | - |
| Levyon sale of Sutton TrinityTennis Club | - | - |
| Balance in trust fund 8744 at 31st August 2025 | 622,518 | 687,396 |
| Total amount available forgrants | ||
| Circuit CFB Fund 02647030 | 470,314 | 402,040 |
| Circuit Model Trust Fund 8744 | 622,518 | 687,396 |
| Total of funds available forgrants at 31st August 2025 | 1,092,832 | 1,089,436 |
Page 16
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
BS1 Manses & Other Property
Buildings comprise 5 manses located in the London Borough of Sutton (2), the Borough of Epsom & Ewell (2) and the Borough of Reigate & Banstead (1). The manse at 37 Tattenham Way was let on the open market and is now occupied.
The manses are valued at historical cost. Also reported for information is the insurance value of each manse.
| Property | Type | Historical Cost |
Year of Purchase |
Insurance Value 2025 |
Insurance Value 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 Arundel Road | manse | £4,850 | 1949 | £841,684 | £804,666 |
| 29 West Hill Avenue | manse | £450 | 1923 | £958,581 | £916,424 |
| 16 Hall Road | manse | £2,500 | 1962 | £724,784 | £692,908 |
| 116 Manor Green Road | manse | £123,000 | 1994 | £490,983 | £469,389 |
| 37 Tattenham Way | manse | £2,150 | 1945 | £537,740 | £514,090 |
| Total | £132,950 | £3,553,772 | £3,397,477 | ||
| Opening cost Additions Disposals Closing cost Manses 132,950 - - 132,950 |
|||||
| Opening cost |
Additions | Disposals | Closing cost | ||
| Manses | 132,950 | - | - | 132,950 |
From time to time the Circuit may hold residential property (formerly manses) which is surplus to its normal staffing requirements. Where this is the case and it is anticipated that the property is unlikely to be used as a manse within a period of one year, the property is classified as Investment Property (whether let out or not) and any lets are at market rates unless there is a compelling reason not to do so in the furtherance of the Circuit's charitable objectives.
BS2 Investment Assets (and Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes)
The funds that support the Circuit Model Trust Fund and the Circuit's other funds (as listed below) 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. The Sutton Circuit holds one trust (8744) at TMCP with a balance 8744 (£622,518). £402,042 is held in CFB fund 02647030 (Circuit Development) as funds made available for grants to enable payment of such grants and is a part of the CMTF funds held in the Central Finance Board recorded in BS4 below . The total available at 31st August 2025 is £1,092,832.
TMCP 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 policy as determined by the Methodist Conference.
BS3 Debtors and Prepayments
| Debtors and Prepayments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trade Debtors | 2025 | 2024 |
| Water Insurance | - | - |
| Council Tax & Water Rates | 1,340 | 1,251 |
| Minutes of Conference etc | 452 | |
| Other Debtors | ||
| Prepayments | - | - |
| Stipends,Pension,NI | 14,831 | 14,944 |
| Loan to Wallington | 60,000 | 60,000 |
| Total | 76,171 | 76,647 |
BS4 Central Finance Board (CFB) and Bank balances
Monetary balances held at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church and at CAF Bank are all available on demand without loss of interest. The split of these balances across General and Designated Funds is arbitrary but wherever possible balances are not shown as negative.
| balances are not shown as negative. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | CFB | Designated | 2025 | 2024 | |
| Central Finance Board | 409,768 | 470,314 | 65,019 | 945,101 | 869,222 |
| CAF Bank | 23,033 | - | - | 23,033 | 3,713 |
| Total | 432,801 | 470,314 | 65,019 | 968,134 | 872,935 |
Page 17
Sutton Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
BS5 Creditors, Accruals and Income in Advance
| Creditors, Accruals and Income | in Advance | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Income in Advance | ||
| Contributions from churches | 84,364 | 83,150 |
| Creditors and Accruals | ||
| Grants to Epsom & Carshalton | 146,028 | 103,120 |
| Payment to Trinity | 7,499 | 52,001 |
| Maintenance expenses | 7,380 | 360 |
| Ministers' expenses | - | 783 |
| Independent Examiner | 2,000 | 2,640 |
| Other expenses | 865 | 386 |
| Total | 248,136 | 242,440 |
BS6 Unrestricted Funds
BS6.1 General Fund
| General Fund | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Opening | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | Surplus/Deficit | 2025 |
| General Fund | 473,957 | 306,454 | 258,098 | (35,000) | 13,356 | 487,313 |
| 2024 | Opening | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | Surplus/Deficit | 2024 |
| General Fund | 475,152 | 292,733 | 255,235 | (38,693) | (1,195) | 473,957 |
The purpose of the fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit.
The Circuit Meeting is aware that grant applications must demonstrate public benefit and this is true for the fund.
BS6.2 Circuit Model Trust Fund
| Circuit Model Trust Fund | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Opening | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | Surplus/Deficit | 2025 |
| Circuit(Model)Trust Funds | 994,315 | 82,907 | 77,917 | 4,990 | 999,305 | |
| 2024 | Opening | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | Surplus/Deficit | 2024 |
| Circuit(Model)Trust Funds | 1,139,409 | 69,284 | 218,071 | 3,693 | (145,094) | 994,315 |
The purpose of the Model Trust fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit. Its main source of income is legacies and contributions from the sales of manses and church buildings in the circuit. The funds are being made available for ministry and future developments in the circuit.
Although the Model Trust fund is technically an Unrestricted Fund under the control of the Circuit Meeting, prior approval is still required from the District to utilise the Model Trust funds. Methodist Standing Orders 930, 931 and 917(2) are applicable.
Page 18
Sutton Methodist Circuit
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
BS7 Related Parties
All of the trustees are members of one or another Church within the Circuit, other Methodist Districts in Great Britain, CFB and TMCP. The newly appointed Circuit Operations Manager (Mr Gavin Hutton)is the husband of the circuit superintendent Rev Catherine Hutton. It is hoped to appoint a Pastoral Support person during the year at a payroll cost of the order of £18,000. This total of around £50,000 will be borne by surplus funds in the general fund and grants of which one for £19,000 per year for 3 years for Mr Hutton has been approved.
BS8 Agency Collections and Payments
The Circuit acted as agent in collection for facilitation of the monies tabulated below. None of these collections was for related parties as defined in Note BS7 above. The Circuit carries out the payroll for lay employees in churches in the circuit, pays the 1 person and that Church then reimburses the Circuit for the exact amount. For the current year this totalled £33,415 (2024: £32,461). This person has now left the employ of St Marks church and a replacement is currently being considered.
| Names of related parties | Party | Receipts 2025 |
Receipts 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission in Britain Fund | Connexion | 1,435 | 1,385 |
| TrainingFund | Connexion | 1,340 | 1,280 |
| PropertyFund | Connexion | 3,845 | 4,109 |
| Presbyters & Deacons Fund | Connexion | 1,245 | 1,200 |
| Ministers' HousingFund | Connexion | 1,895 | 2,185 |
| Direct Transfer | Connexion | - | - |
| Total | 9,760 | 10,159 |
Page 19
Sutton Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Appendix A
CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP
| CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP | |
|---|---|
| Ex-Officio: | |
| Circuit Ministers: | Rev Catherine Hutton (Superintendent), |
| Rev Ung Soon Nguang, Rev Hendry Ponniah | |
| Deacon | Marie Poole |
| Chairs of District: | Rev Dr Jonathan Dean & Rev Faith Nyota |
| Circuit Stewards: | Mrs Maureen Patel, Mr Lyndon Man, Mr Vijendran Asirwatham |
| Mrs Jane Barden, Mr Richard Smith (Treasurer) |
Ministers of other denominations authorised by Methodist Conference and serving Methodist people:
| Ministers of other denomina | tions authorised by Methodist | Rev Bethany Lewis |
| Conference and serving Methodist people: | ||
| Circuit Meeting Secretary: | Mr Paul Gotts | |
| Circuit Operations Manager | Mr Gavin Hutton | |
| Secretary to Leaders of Worship and Preachers Meeting | Mr Paul Gotts | |
| Circuit Risk Assessment Chair | Mrs Sue Forty | |
| Elected Representatives from Churches: | ||
| Sutton | Deacons | Mr Richard Cornwell |
| Treasurer | Mrs Jaqueline John | |
| Elected | Miss Eleanor Gravenor, Ms Abigail Hustler, Mr Martin Wright | |
| St Johns | Steward | Miss Eleanor Pinfold |
| Treasurer | Mr Anthony Woolfenden | |
| Elected | Mrs Eileen Rice | |
| Wallington | Steward | Miss Judith Yates |
| Treasurer | Mrs Christine Asirwatham | |
| Elected | Mrs Nellie Showers, Mr Ravi Saravanamuttu | |
| Epsom | Steward | Vacant |
| Acting Treasurer | Mr Robert Hill | |
| Mr Mark Angel, Mrs Katharine Castledine, Mrs Christine Cox | ||
| Elected | Mr Robert Hill | |
| Carshalton | Steward | Mrs Caroline Kingsnorth |
| Treasurer | Mrs Caroline Cook | |
| Elected | Mr John Kingsnorth, Miss Jacky Waite | |
| Cheam | Steward | Mr David Worthington |
| Treasurer | Vacant | |
| Elected | Vacant | |
| Banstead | Steward | Vacant |
| Treasurer | Mr Philip Sandiford | |
| Elected | Mrs Sue Hopper | |
| St Marks | Steward | Mr John Miller |
| Treasurer | Mr Martin Trenaman | |
| Elected | Mr Colin Batty |
Page 20
Sutton Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Appendix B
The offices of the members of the Circuit Meeting (Managing Trustees) are shown in Appendix A.
The following are the trustees who served during the year and are appointed by the circuit as and when necessary.
Mr Mark Angel Mrs Christine Asirwatham Mrs Jane Barden Mr Colin Batty Mr Malcolm Booth (resigned 16/09/2025) Mrs Katharine Castledine Mrs Caroline Cook Mr Richard Cornwell Mrs Christine Cox Rev Dr Jonathan Dean Mrs Sue Forty Miss Eleanor Gravenor Mr Robert Hill Mrs Sue Hopper (appointed 16/09/2025) Ms Abigail Hustler Rev Catherine Hutton Mr Gavin Hutton (appointed 16/09/2025) Mrs Caroline Kingsnorth Mr John Kingsnorth Mr Jerry Lee Rev Bethany Lewis Rev Gill Long
Mr Lyndon Man Mr John Miller Rev Ung Soon Nguang Mrs Maureen Patel Mrs Eleanor Pinfold Rev David Pitkeathly (appointed 16/09/2025) Rev Hendry Ponniah Mrs Eileen Rice Mr Philip Sandiford. Mr Ravi Saravanamuttu Mrs Audrey Saunderson (resigned 16/09/2025) Mrs Nellie Showers Mr Richard Smith Mr Martin Trenaman Miss Jacky Waite Rev Des Williamson (resigned 16/09/2025) Mr Anthony Woolfenden Mr David Worthington Mr Martin Wright Miss Judith Yates Rev Dr Jongikaya Zihle (resigned 16/09/2025)
Page 21
Sutton Methodist Circuit DECLARATIONS
Treasurer
I confirm that I have prepared the accounts from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit Meeting
==> picture [464 x 232] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Signature of Treasurer Date 17th March 2026
Name Richard T Smith
Address
13 Hazon Way, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8HD
Presentation to the Circuit Meeting for approval.
I confirm that the Accounts have been presented to the Circuit Meeting on 17th March 2026
and were approved.
Signature of the Chair of
the meeting
Name of
Rev Catherine Hutton
the Chair
Date 17th March 2026
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Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Sutton Methodist Circuit
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Sutton Methodist Circuit (the Circuit) for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 7 to 19.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees 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 Circuit’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the Circuit’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Circuit as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Report) 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.
Paul Newton FCA JCS Accountants Ltd 5 Robin Hood Lane Sutton Surrey SM1 2SW
Date:
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