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← Wirral Methodist Circuit

2024-08-31-accounts

THE WIRRAL METHODIST CIRCUIT REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1135375 Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Statements st for the year ended 31 August 2024 Page I Circuit Numbei 1142 Wirral Meth¢)dist Churches

THE WIRRAL METHODIST CIRCUIT Registered Charity Number 1135375 Introduction This report highlights the dynamic nature and challenges faced bythe Methodist Church throughoutthe Wirral peninsula. Currently, church memberships are generally getting older and declining in numbers, even as the spiritual and physical needs in our community and beyond continue to rise. We endeavour to be honest about the challenges we face while seeking to be more effective in discerning God's will for all God's people, with attention to our responsibilities as Methodist trustees lin association with our ecumenical partnerswhere possible}. Weare clearthatthefinancialand human resources available to the circuit need to be deployed where there are clear plans for growth and fruitfulness and can no longer be spread ever more thinly. Aims and organisation Basis of preparation and legal framework.. The Charity's annual report and financialstatements fortheyear ended 31August 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the CharitiesAct 2011 and the Charities SORP {FR51021. the current version of charity accounting. Full Name of Charity: Registered Charity Number: Date of registration: The Wirral Methodist Circuit 1135375 7 April 2010 Main communication address: Wirral Methodist Circuit Office, CIO Hope Farm Methodist Church, Hope Farm Road, Ellesmere Port, CH66 2LF The members of the Wirral Methodist Circuit MeetingaretheCharityTrustees, membership is made up of circuit office holders, ministers, and representatives appointed by the local churches. Full membership is shown in the appendixto this report. Day-to-day financial operationsand management areshared between Mrstephen Cooper (the Circuit Manager) and Mr Craig Price, the appointed Circuit Treasurer. Independent examiner DJH Mitten Clarke Chester Limited. Chester House, Lloyd Drive, Ellesmere Port CH65 9HQ Investment and Commercial Bankers Central Finance Board ofthe Methodistchurch Trusteesfor Methodist Church Purposes CAF Bank (Charities Aid Foundation) Page 2 Circuit Number V42 Wirral Methodlst Churches

Circuit Mission Our 250-year-old mission has not changed. Reaffirmed in 2018, the calling of the UK Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. It does this through: Q (P) C (J Worship Learning and Caring Service The Church exists to The Church exists to help The Church exists to be a increase awareness of people to grow and learn good neighbourto God's presence and to as Christians, through people in need and to celebrate God's love mutual support and care challenge injustice Evangelism The Church existsto make more followers of Jesus Christ Locally, the Circuit exists to support the churches in God's mission. We are passionate about learning and growing together, celebratingthe love of God, sharing the life of God with those around us and with those in need around the world and bringing our neighboursto Christ. Some examples of ourworkthat expresses Our Calling are- Worship Learning and Caring SeNice Evangelism Resourcing and providing Bible Study groups and Ourwork in areasof Circuit wide evangelistic varied opportunities for Prayer meetings, training deprivation including events, sharingof the Christian Worship across events, pastoral care those projects at Trinity Christian message the Wirral in churches including enabling the Ellesmere Port and through the Children's and at the Circuit Hub growth of Local-Lay- Woodchurch. our FUSS and Schoolsteams Hope Pastors in the circuit (Free Uniforms for Journey, Lego Church. whilst maintaining Secondary Schools) and other projects. safeguarding training. project In addition, the Methodist Church adopted the'God for All, evangelism and growth strategy at the conference ofJune2020. The Wirral Methodist Circuitseeks to discern how we implementthatstrategy in our local contexts. L httPS:Ilwww.methodist.org.uklabout-uslthe-methodist-church/our-callingJ Page 3 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

Review of the year Duringthe 2023124year, key work updates include: STAFFING: The ordained staff team will see reductions in FTE aswe move into the 2024-25 year. This is a reduction of 0.25 FTE as Rev Viv Gasteen retires lagainl at the end of August 2024 and a reduction of l FTE as we were unsuccessful in our5tationing profile for a Superintendent role. However, we were blessed that Noel Sharp agreed to becomethe Superintendent in September2024. Notingthese changes, the Circuit Leadership team spent considerable time discerning how the pastoral workload should best be shared with the remaining members of theteam. To aid in fulfilling preachingappointmentsforcommunion seNices, four local preacherswere granted,via the Methodist Conference, permission to preside at Holy Communion. CIRCUIT STRUCTURES The Circuit. collectively and in groups across the circutt, spent time considering if working as'one Church on Multiple Sites" could aid the effectiveness and viability of groups of circuit churches. The first group of churches to formally move to this way of operating and be called The Methodist Church in Ellesmere Port, consistingofTrinity, Hope Farm and Little Sutton Methodist Churches, which formally became one church on I September 2024. PROPERTY: During the year, the redundant Circuit Office at 17 Seven Acres Lane, previously Thingwall Methodist Church, was marketed, and at the year-end, a sale was progressing. The Rev Dan Woodhouse household has different requirementsthan those that a standard manse property would serve. notably, more bedrooms and living space are needed. In addition. different areas of the Wirral would be more suitable for a propetythan thosewe hold manses in. Therefore, a new propety was purchased at Waterpark Road. Prenton, with modest alterations in time for Dan's arrival. Plans were madeto sellthe manse at Graham Road in West Kirby when Revyi vacates the propety atthe end ofAugust. CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS WORK: The Circuit Children &Youth Team comprises one full-time and two part-timestaff Members. Starting September 1, 2024, thiswill changeto onefull-time and one part-time position. The part-timeworker, who also seNes as the Circuit Safeguarding Officer ICSOI. has accepted a part-time role as the District Safeguardingofficer IDSOI. The service-level agreement has used atGreasbyChurch allowed existing project tos be revitalized and new initiatives launched, including a very successful summer holiday club,thath has brought new families into the church to attend existing children's activities and especially the Lego Church which takes place every month on a Sunday afternoon. A growing numberof parents and carers attend activities regularly with their children, and the aim going forward is to provide them with an opportunity to pursue their discipleship through the creation of a discipleship course to run through Lent next year. This course will be put together by the Circuit Children's team, the new chu rch's new minister and a team ofvolunteers fromthe church. The work at Trinity with Palm Grove Church ITPGI, the other church with a service-level agreement, has been less fruitful. Two summer holiday clubs have had to be cancelled because of too few applications and Church Mice, and Lego Church have failed to reallytake off despite greatefforts on social media and other ways to attract interest. Whilst Greasby Church has renewed its service level agreement for 3 third year, it Page4 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

seems certain thatTPG will not renew into a third year. Anotherverysuccessfulsummer holiday club was led bythe Children'sTeam at Prenton Church. Theteam has worked hard to maintain support for otherchurches in the Circuit, especially with thework the churches do with their local schooLs using the Hope Journey. It has taken time for churches to recover from the pandemic and rebuild their links with local schools using the Hope Journey. But this year has seen the restoration of a lot of these links. Through the Hope Journey, the Circuit can tell the stories of ourfaith to hundreds of children who are brought to their local Methodist churches by their schoots throughoutthe year. These activities are, without doubt, our biggest congregations. Theteam also continuestosupport churches in deliveringchurch Miceto under-school-age children and their carers, as well as Lego Church for older children. Moving into new premises has proved to be very challenging. alongside the.day job,, butthat is almost complete. The team has continued to provide the Circuit with the required Safeguarding Training courses led by the CSO.This has continued with Safeguarding Foundation Training. Two of theteam have now been trained to deliverthe Advanced Safeguarding Training and continue to run courses face-to-face and on-line so that the Circuit can meet its responsibilities. This continues to take a significant slice out of the Children & Youth time. but that is inevitable until more volunteers come forward fortraining as safeguardingtrainers. Page S CircLtit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

Financial Performance Review INCOME TRENDS Rentsl Income The relativelysmall rental income is related tothe rental oftwo manses, Maryland Lane and Thornton Road. The second was held in lieu of Deacon Ellie Griffin's manse in the circuit, as she and her family resided in a manse that we rented from the North Cheshire Circuit. The income from the rer)tal of Thornton Road is used to offset these costs. The manse at Thornton Road was returned to a rer)tal due to us not being successful with one of our posts in stationing. Circuit Assessments Income from the circuit assessment paid by the circuit churches1£532,872} represents the majority ofthe General Fund Income170¥01. This reflects the fart that the assessment shared amongst the church is based directly on the budget, considering other income that can be predicted with reasonable confidence. It is noted that several of the churches have continued to indicate that this level of assessment is unsustainable. This is, in part, the reason the Circuit Meetingvoted to move out of the Thingwall Circuit Office and progress to a sale of the site and instead utilise unused space within other open churches. EXPENDITURE TRENDS Sataries and associated costs Salaries and Stipends1£541,7901 make up 6296 of the total expenditure. However, this includes employment of lay workers employed directly by individual churches where the circuit acts as a payroll agent - this is cross-charged to those churches and income related to this1£176,7191 is included in line 7 of the SOFA (Other Charitable Income). Stipend expenditures have increased each financial year in line with the directions of the Methodist Conference, which are based on cost-of-living indices. However, it should be noted that local church finances are squeezed by cost-of-living increases and the increased assessments needed to support salaries and stipends. The Circuit Policy is to increase the salaries of lay employees by the same percentage increase, and this was affirmed despite the financial challenges in 2022. Connexional assessment & model trust levy The required circuit contribution to the Liverpool District and the Connexion (British Methodist Church} was £ 108,4301£31,883 as DistrictAssessment and £76,548 as ConnexionalAssessmentl. Thesefunds supportthework ofthewider Methodist Church. In addition, the Circuit is required to pay an 3nnu31 Levy on its cash holding in the Circuit Model Trust Fund, which this year amounted to £25,649. The Connexion distributes these funds into District Advance Funds. which are available across the districi as grants. Property maintenance Line 11 ofthe SOFAshows that £ 112,80911396} was spent on propety maintenance duringthe year. However. this includes the running costs IseNice and maintenance contracts, buildings insurance, Council Tax and Utilities} and lettingfees (Thornton Road and Maryland Lane) of all the manses and circuit office spaces. Other outgoings The heading'other outgoings, (Line 16 on the SOFA) includes the general costs of resourcing the staff to perform their duties (stationery, postage and equipment- including printer rentals and office running costs), together with the fees paid to Supernumerary (Retired) Ministers for their Page 6 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

leading of worship together with mileage expenses claimed stsff and volunteers for their work in the circuit in addition to costs of administration and governance including professional fees. FUND BALANCES As of 31 August 2024, the Circuit's total unrestricted funds were £2,319,952, of which £157,163 is held in current assets as cash or near cash equivalents. The circuit intends to continue providing grants to various mission projects. Currently, this involves supportingthe running costs of the FUSS (Free Uniforms for Secondary Schools) shop in Birkenhead town centre. PLANS FOR 2024125 The charity's objective is to resource Methodist churches within the Wirral Peninsula and Ellesmere Port. Circuit financial plans for the coming year anticipate= Maintaining fourfull-time ordained stsff- including welcoming Rev Dan Woodhouse in September 2024. This is a reduction of l FTE as we were unsuccessful in ourstationing profile for a Superintendent role. Continuing to employtemporary additional resources in theform of a paid supernumerary minister (Claremount and Heswalll Completing the sale of the fomier circuit centre at Thingwall. Sellingofthe now redundant manse at Graham Road, West Kirby Continuing to discern where best to place our limited resources and working together to identify the direction of travel forthe circuit's strategy. Particularly. the Circuit Leadership Team (CLT) will consider how the Methodist Church's"God forall" strategyshould be worked out in the immediate term in the Circuit The CLTwill also bringtogethera Property Strategyand, alongwith a small team from across the circuit, a new conversation on how we might plan to use our financial resources. The purposes ofthe Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been sincethe Date of Union the advancement of. The Christian faith, under the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church. Any charitable purpose forthe time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church. Any charitable purpose forthe time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church. Any purpose of any charity. being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church. These purposes are achieved through: the organisation and resourcingof regular public arts of worship open to members ofthe church and non-members alike. The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses, and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work, including visitingthe sick and bereaved. Resourcing churches to work with children and young people within their mission and to engage with schools primarilythrough Hope Joumey. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services. Association with chaplaincy selvices to local hospitals, hospices. and MHA homes. Page 7 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Meth¢xlist Churches

PUBLIC BENEFIT We confirm thetrustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The governing document forthe Circuit is the Deed of Union119321 and the Methodist ChurchArt 119761. The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church ICPDI outlines detailed governance arrangements byorderof the annual conference. The Circuit Leadership team and the Local Preachers meeting manage the circuit on a day-to-day basis. TRUSTEE TRAINING The Methodist Connexion produces a range ofguidance to support theeffertive running ofthe circuit.The leaflet 'The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church, is given to all new Circuit Meeting members as an induction to their role as trustees. Overthe lastfew years, thistrustee training has, in many cases, required the mandatory completion of Unconscious Bias, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Training in addition to Safeguarding Training due to other roles held. RELATED PARTIES The Circuit is part of the Liverpool District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. Constitutionally, therefore, the circuit consists of- Bromborough Methodist Church Charing Cross (with Tranmerel Methodist Church- Known asThe Church atthe Cross Claremount Methodistchurch Thornton-le-moorswith Ince and Elton (Ecumenical Partnership with C o El, Greasby Methodist Church Heswall Methodistchurch Higher Bebington Methodist Church Hope Farm Methodist Church St. Luke's Hoylake Methodist Church Irby Methodist Church Little Neston Methodist Church Little Sutton Methodist Church Lower Bebington Methodist Church Moreton Methodist Church Neston Methodist Church Prenton Methodistchurch StAndrews (Ecumenical Partnership with URCI. Trinity {Ellesmere Portl Methodist Church Trinity with Palm Grove (Ecumenical Partnership with URC}, West Kirby Methodist Church Willaston Methodist Church Woodchurch Methodist Church otherorganisations with specific linkage: MHA Mayfields (Dementia Care Homel. RISK MANAGEMENT The Methodist Conference,the supreme governing body ofthe Methodistchurch in Great Britain, has, through the Methodist Council, in 2017, recorded that the greatest single risk to the church is the continuing challenge of making new Christian disciples who express that discipleship within the Methodisttradition and it is generally accepted thatthe Methodist members onthe Wirral are spread overtoo manysites or focused on activities that take place at a similar time. FINANCIAL Major risks are identified by the Circuit Stewards with professional advice taken as required. There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded. Page 8 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

Income and Expenditure are being monitored in total and iscompared withthe approved annual budget on a half-yearly basisto detecttrends as part of the risk management processto avoid unforeseen calb on reseNes. RESERVES POLICY The circuit's Reselve Policy is to hold a minimum of six months ' working capital against the risk that any numberofchurches be unableto meettheir commitment to fund the CircuitAssessmentduringany particular financial year. The circuit also identified the potential redundancy payment liability regarding its directly employed lay staff and makes provision in the reserves policy for a contingency of around £30,256. It recognises that this sum willvary yearon yeardueto changes in length ofserviceand staff retirementsl resignations. The total reserves on 31st August 2024 are £2,668,522, tangible fixed assets are £2,691,600- £318 is in restritted funds. SAFEGUARDING The Circuit continues to fully comply with Methodist Connexional practice regarding our safe operation and relationships with children & young people and vulnerableadults.As partofthis commitment, we employ a part-time Circuit Safeguarding officer. This Trustees, Annual Reportwas approved by the Circuit Meeting (trustee body). Rev. Noelsharp Superintendent Minister (Chair of Trustees} Pa￿9 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

THE WIRRAL METHODIST CIRCUIT Registered Charity Number 1135375 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom GenerallyAccepted Accounting Practice}. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fairview of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity forthatyear. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP. make judgements and estimatesthatare 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 a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that 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 its trust 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. Page 10 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

Appendix A - Wirral Clrcuit Meeting Membership (Trustees) st as at 31 August 2024 Name Surname Aizlewood-Threlfall Allen Almond Banton Barber Bates Blackburn Boswell Burrows Collens Colyer Conway Cooper Cowell Cross John Huthnance Jackson-Eves James Lorraine Margaret Janet Barbara Ron Mark David Andrew Margaret Elizabeth Malcolm Peter Chris Steve Lynne David lan Lyn Angela Colin Anne Jones Kitchener Kitchener Knight Luscombe Mather Moir Mothersdale Natton Ralph Jenny Julie Brenda Evelyn Kevin Barry Carole Adrian Elaine Steve Craig Erica Noel Natton Pallant Phillips Pillow Price Rimmer Schorah Scoffield Seddon Sharp Shaw Sheppard Simms Smith Smith Staines Swaffield Thomas Volan Walker Walton Warbrick Wildman Worrall Cubbin Dewhi￿t Dowson Paula Ruth Tim Philip Neville Eve Edwards Fanning Felton Fieldhouse Fisher Ford Fowler Gasteen Green Griffin Griffith Hall Henderson Herd Hilditch Holt Joyce Anne Noel James Edward Paul Pam Jane Alan Neville Alan Stephen Wiv Barbara Ellie John lan Anne-marie David Roger Dianne Kathy Rae lain Jeanette David Cate Janet Ed David Mike Peter Linda Howlett Resignations since previous year: Name Surname Jenny Mo Schafer Stanley Wardle White Heather Rachel Jean Fritz Cooper Davies Phillips Schafer Sarah Alan Yangsun Page 11 Circuit Number 1142 Wlrral Methodist Churches

Notes: Supernumerary Ministers are entitled to opt into membership land thereby trusteeship} of the Circuit Meeting. Only those who have exercised their rights are included in the list of Trustees. 2. Thecircuit Man3ger is a lay employee and a member ofthe Circuit Meeting dueto the responsibilities exercised. Page 12 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

Statement of Financial Activitles (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024 Do￿-t10n5aftd ￿9aClEs 4219 76 3 kxim&ftom IrpthenLprcperties 532&72 s ChpitalRec£pts 6 (>antSrec￿Ved 7 OthwcharitabLelncune 227.9&2 258 8Tc4aikw lè SaiariE5andasYLia￿ co li Property maintenance 101197 16376 reciati OfficeEKpEr 160thertyttgdng5 17 TO&￿ charltablo oxpondituro 07 73264 6T0￿50 I9¢￿5/1]0£5esl0n inve5trnentprcperties 20 Net incom•/(•xpanditur•) .JOS097 Trart5Fersbebw -200.875 23 Net movèm•nt In funds -￿A8& 24TotalfundsbrcLghtfcvkn3rd 25 Totsifunds &wri8d forward 520.806 7a76 3J8 Page 13 Crrcuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

Statement of Flnanclal Activitles (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2023 CifÉts"Lt m<￿￿[ Tots12a22Q3 Incorn i Donatitinsand ÈegBdes 5 taplÈalReeelpts 8 C4antsrec¥*4ed 7 thhwcharttablelnc£me 10390 28U58 797456 8TolBiIKIYrn Expondlbxo 9 Gr￿tt$and dI￿at1&￿5 ID SalafSèsarKk as￿13￿ c￿S 530525 Prwty malntenancé 93 93436 320 15,943 c¥recIa￿t0 15 Offlceexpenses 18Llthw(Wdngs 17 Total cllaritablè eX￿ndIture .0 852é28 20 Nèt lThcom•/(oxpèndltsJr•) -47.QlQ -7A5Z T￿n￿erSbetw￿fUndS 22otherg3lns/llt￿ 23 Not mov•mènt in funds -24696 462 24 Totstfunds bfcughlfefy￿rd 25 Totsl funds carrlod fo￿7rd 3JB Page 14 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Meth¢xllst Churches

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024 C(CJ'.yw￿￿Fq￿pfflert L7.a3 2.6E47Y L420 479 2 j67 T¢ivtrftr6d4 Ir60ytrèQrcwTr UL,513 Dpwst5 5Q359 rotsfcLrn&147bft*es 277. 25XP)7 244 14'728ty 7280 Note: the Wirral Circuit effectively borrowed moneyfrom the sale of West Kirby Methodist thurch's caretaker propety to purc se 25Waterpark Road, this will be amended with thesale of ourGraham Road property. Signed: Circuit Treasurer Page 15 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

Cashflow statement for the year ended 31 August 2024 etcash uwl in ng athibes Di￿￿rK&1ntere5tand rerts frcm In￿Stments frCmt1￿ saiedwopety,rtarKleqthpnent Flrchase of iycpEty,[￿antandeqiprnent Flllchaseof intangLleassets Cash and casheqDwdlentsattheteg'nnlngof the rewxting pertod 59a946 e51844 974188 591946 2023 it Income ft>rthe repafting ￿n￿lIa5 perstatementof flnanciaLactNibes) -WS92 -54462 DewecIa￿￿É and ar￿xt1satiOne1uT Lossornthèsa]eof fixedassets Gainson In￿stmerts DiMden(¥ irrterest arKI rentsfrom irThwtments Decrease/fjncrease) Instecks Iincreaseythcrease In￿￿(%5 increase/thcrèase? in creditors .3966 -&5 47&8CQ a082 Cash in hand Shcrtterm [*[￿￿4]esStha￿3 rr￿ntr g0,ess 79,¥0 ,976 $13,796 Page 16 Circuit Number 1142 Wlrral Methodist Churches

Notes to the Financial Statements BASIS OF ACCOUNTING The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP {FRS1021 as updated, beingthe currentversion. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except that investments are shown at their market value at the end of the year. The principal accounting policies adopted are setout below. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. CHARITABLE FUNDS The funds held constitute: General Funds are unrestricted and are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance ofthe general objectives ofthe charity and which have not been designated is forany other purpose. The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in Standing Orders categorised as unrestricted. Restricted funds are held for narrower purposes as defined by the donors or by the specific reason for the funds being raised. The circuit holds no Endowment funds. Details of each material fund are disclosed in the final note to these statements. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis These financial statements have been prepared based on historical cost exceptthat investments are shown at their market value at the end of the year, on the accruals basis to show a true and fairview of the Circuit's financial position and artivities. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from othersources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basi& Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Page 17 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

Incoming Resources Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities ISOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, thetrustees are reasonably certain they will receivethe resources, and the monetaryvalue can be measured with sufficient reliability. Resources Expended This is recognised when a liability is incurred, ora constructive obligation arises, that results in the payment being unavoidable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not underthe legal or constructive obligation committing the Circuit to pay out resources. Grants Grants made bythe Circuit from its funds are recognised in full atthetime of the agreement orwhen the Circuit accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment. VAT Since the Circuit is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers. Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,000. The freehold propety is shown in the financial statements atvaluationsthattook place in October 2020. The land component is deemed to be £537,75112096 oftotalvaluel. No depreciation is provided on the building because the trustees considerthe current residual fair value of the manse buildings lon the assumption that it had reached the end of its useful economic life by the year-end} to be not less than its current value. Any depreciation would not be material. The properties have been reviewed for impairment in line with the quinquennial schedule. Under the policy of only capitalising items exceeding £1,000 in value, none of the fixtures, fittings, computer equipment or kitchen appliances belonging to the circuit (either atthe Circuit Centre or in manses are capitalised and are, therefore, not subject to any depreciation charges). Page 18 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

Investment Properties Investment properties- no propety is currently deemed to not be held forthe long-term purposes of the charity- Investment Income Investment income relates to the dividends on the small amount of the Circuit Model Trust Fund held as investment units in CFB Managed Mixed Fund. Investments Investmentsarevalued inthe balance sheet at marketvalue atthe year's end. Investment income is included in the statements when receivable and any gains or losses on revaluation at the year-end are shown in the SOF Debtors and Prepayments The debtors and prepayments included in the statements primarily consistofthe prepaymentof September stipends forthe Ordained Staff, which is transferred to the Methodist Church Payroll in late August to enable payment on 1st September. Creditors Creditors include both sundryexpenses and specifically the 1st quarterassessment received in August Operatlng Leases On 31"August 2024, the charitywas committed to an operating lease fora photocopier described at note 14. Although ackr)owledged in Note 14, no provision is made within the balance sheet since the costs are a charge in expenditure and immaterial. Additionally, the circuit holds a 'Tenancy at Will, for shop premises forthe Wirral FUSSIFUPS (Free Uniforms for Secondary and Primary Schools) forwhich there is no notice period and therefore, no future liability- Cash and Cash Equlvalents These include cash in hand, deposits held at ban￿ and other short-term liquid investments with optional maturities of three months or less. Financial Instruments- the charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 "basic financial instruments" and Section 12"other financial instruments" of FRS 102 to all its financial instruments Financial instruments are recorded in the charity's balancesheet when the charity becomes a partyto the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the assets and settle the liability simultaneously. Page 19 Cirtuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

Basic Financial Assets Basic financial assets, which include debtots and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price includingtransaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financial where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within oneyear are not amortized. Basic Financlal Liabilitles Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effeciive interest rates method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or seNices that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due in one year or less. If not. they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transartion prices and subsequently measured at amorti sed cost usingthe effective interest method. Derecognition of Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. Employee Beneflts The costs of any unused holiday entitlement are recognised in the period in which the employee services are received. with no financial adjustments where an employee is approved to carry leave foNard across financialyears. Any carryfonmard is deemed immaterialtothe statements. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminatingthe employment ofan employee. Going Concern At the time of approvingthe financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequ3te resources to continue operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the trustees continue to adopt the'going concern" basis of accounting in preparing the statements. Page 20 Csrcuit Number 1142 Wlrral Methodist Churches

  1. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Circuit Model Trust Fund Restricted 202312024 Total 2022123 Total Donations Le acies Total 3,820 3,820 8.819 3,820 3.820 8,819 Some of these donations were gifts donated to ministers leaving the circuit in August 2024.

  2. ASSESSMENTS ON CHURCHES A previously agreed formula was used to calculate the share of the circuit budget required in assessment payment from each church. Thefollowing assessmentswereaccounted for. Church Assessment Paid Bromborough Methodist Church Claremount Methodist Church Elton rrLMIEI LEP. Greasby Methodist Church 34,368 Heswall Methodist Church- 48,516 Higher Bebington Methodist Church 6.204 Hope Farm Methodist Church 32,064 Irby Methodist Church 23,148 Little Neston Methodist Church 15,744 Little Sutton Methodist Church 27,072 Lower Bebington Methodist Church 29,556 Moreton Methodist Church 25,188 Neston Methodist Church 8,016 Prenton Methodist Church 31,320 St Andrews New Brighton LEP 4,200 St Luke's Methodistchurch, Hoylake 48,924 The Church @ The Crossl Charing Cross Methodist 13,188 Church Trinity Ellesmere Port Trinitywith Palm Grove LEP West Kirby Methodist Church Willaston Methodist Church Woodchurch Methodist Church 39,096 40,524 20,352 3,600 53,784 14,496 13,512 Total 532,872 Note: No assessment has been received from Elton and Ince LEP since its inception as an LEP. Previously funds from the sale of Elton MC were considered to be in lieu of the church's contribution but these funds were exhausted some years ago. Ongoing discussions will confirm thefuture contribution or if the structure continues as an LEP. Page 21 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

  3. GRANTS RECEIVED No grantswere received duringtheyear.

  4. OTHER CHARITABLE INCOME Unrestricted CMTF, Restricted Funds for External Bodies 202312024 Total 2022123 Total Bank&CFB interest Benevolence Employment related income Income from Printin Propety Rental Misc. Receipts FUSS Sales Total 5.105 30,642 35,747 17.386 191,219 191.219 213,764 251 26,100 5,531 26,100 5,531 26.693 3.749 615 262,758 227,962 30,642 258,605
  5. INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS Unrestricted CMTF Restrirted 202312024 Total 2022123 Total Central Finance Board Other Total 76 76 76 76 77

  6. PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES There were no payments madeto trusteesforadditionalservices provided to the Circuit byagreement with the Circuit Meeting- this excludes stipends and salaries forthose ordained and lay staff who are trustees. 2023124 18 2022123 16 24,820 Trustees receiving payments TotalAmount 20,674 Most trustees are appointed by the local churches and do not claim expenses from the charity concerning the performance oftheirtrustee duties. Expense payments primarily relate to reimbursement fortravel, stationery and resource costs. Circuit Model Trust Fund Page 22 CircLtit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

  7. FEES FOR REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2023124 2022123 Independent examiner's reportingon thefinancial statements Other fees lag= advice, accountancy services) paid to the independent examiner Total 3,642 7.020 3,570 5,940 10,662 9,510

  8. SALARIES AND ASSOCIATED COSTS Costs associated with this expenditure in the year were: 2023124 2022123 Gross stipends, salaries. and benefits in kind Employer's National Insurance costs Pension costs Total 495,771 33,980 12.040 541,791 429,538 31,099 46,257 506,896 The difference between 2023123 and 2021122 can be attributed to the increase in stipends and salaries and the increase in other staff paid though but not employed by the circuit. 2023124 Average numberof lay*mployees inthe yearwere 18 Of which thefollowingwere not emplo edthrou h the circuit Page 23 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

  9. LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF MANSES No properties sold within the financial year

  10. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES As of 31August 2024, the circuit is committed to the followins None
  11. OPERATING LEASES At the reporting end date, the charity has outstanding commitments forfuture minimum lease payments under a non-cancellable operating lease (for printlcopier at the Wirral Methodist Centrel, which fall due as follows: A new five-year lease was taken in 2022123 at £350 per quarter, therefore a total of £5.600.
  12. CASH AND CURRENT ASSETS The Circuits, Current Assets are held in CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) Bank, both current and deposit accounts, the CFB Deposit Account (Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church}, and the Circuit Model Trust Fund, which is held by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes. Additionally. the Circuit Office maintains a minor cash holding normally less than £50, arising from miscellaneous cash receipts (photocopying, contributions for refreshments, etc.). This is used to fund occasional miscellaneous expenses and provisions. and any excess is banked from timetotime.

  13. MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (FOR INFORMATION ONLY) 2023124 2022123 Balance brought forward from last year Offerin sIGifts- received for External or anisations Offerin sIGifts- passed to External or anisations Balance carried fonvard Pagè 24 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

  14. CIRCUIT MANSES & EQUIPMENT Item Description Deemed Value at 119123 Additions I Disposals Gross Sale Price GainlLoss against book value Total Book Value at 3118124 Manse Properties 10 Thornton Road 340,000 340,000 2 Maryland Lane 20 Graham Road 245,000 400,000 285,000 365.000 395,000 245,000 400,000 285.000 365,000 395,000 £478,754 £2,508.754 23 Blackstairs Road 6 Saxon Road 69 Mill Lane Road 25 Waterpark Road Total Manse Properties £478.754 £478,754 £2,030,000 Other Propertles Wirral Methodist Centre (formerly Thingwall Church) Circuit Centre £180,000 £180,000 Total Other Circuit Buildings £180,000 £180.000 TotslAssetValue £2210,000 £478.754 £2,688,754 Page 25 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

  15. INVESTMENT ASSETS The circuit holds funds in the Circuit Model Trust Fund as required by Standing Orders and the Model Trusts. Asmall amount ofthis fund is held as investment units in the CFB Managed Mixed Fund. The circuit has no investment properties orcommon investmentfund holdings. 2023124 202212 Car ing Value at beginning of year Net Gain/Loss on Revaluation CFB Mixed Managed Fund 2,367 147 2,514 2,367 2,367

  16. LOANS The circuit has no loan liabilities.

  17. INVESTMENTS Thefunds that supportthe Circuit ModelTrust Fund and the Manses Fund are held by TMCP in Trustees Interest Funds on which interest is credited tothe accounts each month. These are regprded as medium- term and long-term investments. TMCP is the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist M¢)del Trust propety, iincluding Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds. Trust propety is held for and on behalfof local ManagingTrustees who are responsibleforthe day-to-day management of trust propety-TMCP ensurethat, through providing guidance and acting under their direction, the Managing Trustees comply with charity law and Methodist law and polity as determined bythe Methodist Conference. Analysis of investment movements: 202112024 2022123 Investments listed on a recognised Stock Exchan Investments held in common investmentfunds Securities not listed on a recognised Stock Exchange Otherinvestments Totsl 2.514 2,367 2,514 2,367 Change in investment values: 202312024 2022123 Carrying (market} value at beginning of year Add: additions to investments at cost Less: disposats at carrying value Net gain/{lossl on revaluation Carrying (market} value at beginning of year 2,367 2,3KI 147 2,514 2,367 Page 26 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

  18. ANALYSIS OF CURRENT ASSETS Analysis of cash at the bank 202312024 2022123 Cash in hand Bank balance held in CAFAccounts Sub-total- Cash in Hand and at Bank CFB DewsitAccount TMCP- Circuit Model Trust Fund Totalcash and Bank 43 79,107 79,150 181, 298 332.497 592,945 49 48,327 48,376 263,518 339,949 651,843

  19. ANALYSIS OF CURRENT LIABILITIES AND LONG-TERM CREDITORS 202312024 2022123 Trade Creditors Other Creditors (Accruals) Other Creditors (Church Assessments paid in advance) Total Current Liabilities 1,658 1,425 49,036 52,119 1.190 48,923 50,113 Page 27 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

  20. TANGIBLE FIXED A55ETS Cost or valuation Land & Buildings Other buildings Fixtures, fittings and equipment Payments on accountand assets under construrtion5 Total Balance brought forward Additions Revaluations l+l_I Disposals l-l Transfers" l+/I Balance carried forward 2,030,000 180,000 2,210,000 478,754 £478,754 £2,508,754 180,000 £2,688,754 New valuations were produced by Karl Tattler Estate Agents in October2020. Most ofthevalue changes are small with only the revaluation of the Wirral Circuit Centre showing the most change. Accumulated depreciation Land Manses Other buildings Fixtures, fittings and equipment Payments on account and a55ets under constructions Total Balance brought forward Depreciation charge for year (-) Revaluations l+l.} Disposals l-l Transfers" (+l) Balance carried forward Net bookvalue Land Manses other buildings Fixtures, fittings and equipment Payments on account and assets under construction5 Total Brought forward Carried forward 2,030,000 2,508,754 180,000 180,000 2,210,000 2,688,754 Page 28 Circuit NJmber 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

  21. ANALYSIS OF UNRESTRICTED AND RESTRICTED FUNDS 202312024 Unrestricted Unrestricted Opening Balance Incoming Resources Resources Expended Transfers Closing Balance Purpose of the fund Notes General Fund 2,759.873 795,671 870,887 2,684.657 General Operations Inc CMTF& Propety Ilnc losses on Fixed Assets} Totsls 2.759,873 795,671 870,887 2,684,657 Restricted Restrirted Fund Name Opening Balance Incoming Resources Resources Expended Transfer5 CI05ing Balance Purpose of the fund Note5 Circuit Benevolent Fund Totals 318 318 318 318

  22. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESTRICTED AND DESIGNATED FUNDS 2022123 Unrestricted Unrestricted Opening Balance Incoming Resources Resources Expended Transfers Closing Balance Purpose of the fund Notes General Fund 2.785,562 797.956 852.341 28.696 2,759,873 General Operations Totals 2,785,562 797,956 852.341 28.696 2,759,873 Restricted Restricted Fund Name Opening Balance Incoming Resources Resources Expended Transfers closing Balance Purpose of the fund Note5 Circuit Benevolent Fund Hope Journey Grant Funded 318 318 21,293 -21,293 Work Funded by Connexional and DAF Grant Grant funding of FUSS Inc Transfer of Running Costs for Circuit Centre & Line Management Transferred to FUSS 35 It became a CIO in 2023123 FUSS 7,403 -7,403 Tota 29,014 28,696 318 Page 29 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

  23. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Payee Relationship Description of Transaction Total Received from Related Parties Payments to Related Partie5 Bromborough Methodist Church Circuit Church Assessment, Employment recharge and loan payments 42,645.32 CFB Interest Central Finance Board ofthe Methodist Church Circuit Church 3,952.54 Claremount Methodist Church Claremount Hub FUSS Assessment payments & sund rechar es Employment recharges Donations and salary payments Assessment payments & sundry rechar es Assessment payments & sundry recharges Assessment payments& sundry rechar es Assessment payments & sundry recharges Assessment payments & sund recharges Assessment payments & sundry rechar es Assessment payments & sundry recharges District Assessments and Grant Funding 44,114.00 7,802.28 22,182.54 Related CIO Greasby Methodist Church Heswall Methodist Church- Higher Bebington Methodist Church Hope Farm Methodist Church Irby Methodist Church Little Neston Methodist Church Little Sutton Methodist Church Circuit Church 59,801.20 Circuit Church 52,778.00 Circuit Church 6,832.00 Circuit Church 34,716.00 2,500.00 Circuit Church 25,114.00 Circuit Church 17.313.00 Circuit Church 29,328.00 Liverpool Methodist District Methodist District Circuit IS memberof Circuit Church 150,855.88 755.99 Lower Bebington Methodistchurch Assessment, Employment recharge Connexional Assessments, Grant Funding, Lay Payroll Assessment payments 46,963.50 Methodist Church of Great Britain British Methodist Church 539,293.84 1,284.91 Moreton Methodist Church Neston Methodist Church North Cheshire Methodist Circuit North Liverpool and South Sefton Circuit Prenton Methodist Church Circuit Church 27,356.00 Circuit Church Assessment payments 17,991.99 Related Circuit Manse Rental 18705.48 Related Circuit Employment recharges 4,923.96 Circuit Church Assessment payments 34,759.88 3,000.00 StAndrews New Brighton LEP Circuit Church Assessment payments Page 30 Circuit Nurnberl142 Wirral Methodist Churches

St Luke's Methodistchurch, Hoylake The Church @the Cross, Birkenhead TMCP Circuit Church Assessment payments, staff cross charges 73,652.04 Circuit Church Assessment payments 15.777.00 Trustees for Methodist Church purposes Circuit LEP 34,375.94 Thornton Le Moors Trinity Ellesmere Port Trinitywith Palm Grove LEP West Kirby Methodist Church Willaston Methodist Church Woodchurch Methodist Church Total Circuit Church Assessment payments, employment recharges Assessment payments, contribution to CS team Assessment payments, lay staff rechar es Assessment payments 54314.88 2000 Circuit Church iiioo Circuit Church 73.652.04 Circuit Church 15,777.00 Circuit Church Assessment payments and Lay staff recharges 34,375.94 1,495,530.29 14,464.86 Page 31 Circuit Number 1142 Wirral Methodlst Churches

Declarations TREASURER I confirm that these accrual-based financial statements forthe year ended 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of th ircuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit Meeting. Mr Craig P Price Wirral Methodist Circuit Treasurer Address: 7 Mereclose, Great Sutton. Ellesmere Port, CH66 2WH Date: PRESENTATION TO THE CIRCUIT MEETING FOR APPROVAL I confirm thatthe Annual Report and Financial Statements forthe yearended 31 Aug 2024were presented and approved bythe Circuit Meeting. Rev. Noel Sharp Date- Superintendent Minister (Chair of Trustees) Page 32 Circuit Nurnber 1142 Wirral Methodist Churches

Independent examiners report to the trustees of Wirral Methodist Circuit I report to the trustees on my exominotion of the accounts of the above charity {"the Trust") for the year ended 31 August 2024. Responsibilifies and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible forthe preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out Under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my exominotion, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Chority Commission vnder section 145{51 Ibl of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe thot in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act." or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Rieportsl Regulations 2008 other thon any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not o 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. Signed: Name: Mrs D D Lea FCA. FCCA Address: DJH Chester Llmited, Chester House, Lloyd Drive, Ellesmere Port. Cheshire. CH65 9HQ Date: Isl 4 Izoag