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2020-08-31-accounts

The Methodist Church Northampton Circuit 23/13

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

“The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission”

2019 - 2020

Registered Charity No 1135635

Introduction

This is the eleventh formal annual report produced by the Northampton Methodist Circuit since its registration as a separate charity and aims to share a review of the activities of the circuit during 2019 – 20 while also meeting all the legal requirements for formal reporting.

Mission Statement

The Northampton Methodist Circuit currently consists of 13 Christian Communities, seeking to be a discipleship movement shaped for mission. We see mission as who we are. It is the sharing of the good news of God’s love incarnate, through Jesus Christ, in the witness of the community to the world.

We will seek to concentrate our prayers, resources, imagination, and commitments on this priority, guided by God, to continue our journey together as a Circuit seeking to promote active growth.

As a circuit we are committed to Worship, Service, Evangelism, and Learning & caring,

To invite and call all people to discipleship, evangelism, and service To equip and resource people for mission

To encourage and participate in networks of Church-to-Church relationships

WORSHIP, which seeks to increase awareness of God’s presence and celebrates God’s love seeking to underpin everything we do in Godcentred prayer

SERVICE seeking to be a good neighbour to people in need and challenge injustice.,

EVANGELISM, which is a call to all people to Christian discipleship, growing in the Christian faith alongside others seeking the same, to talk about God and to serve God in the world

LEARNING and CARING, which is equipping and resourcing people for mission and Christian relationships.

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 1

In response to the above the members of the Circuit Meeting, seeking support from the Circuit Leadership Team, the Circuit Local Preachers and Worship Leaders, will adopt the following Action statement: -

WORSHIP

SERVICE

EVANGELISM

LEARNING & CARING

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 2

With these action points as our point of reference, we will focus our administrative resources to:-

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 3

Superintendent’s letter of Greeting

Dear friends

As I write this letter, we draw to the end of 2020 and we have entered the Advent season, which is the beginning of the Christian calendar. We are in between times- the old and the new, a time of expectancy and hope, a time in which by faith, we prepare to receive and celebrate the birth of God-WithUs, Emmanuel!

2020 has been a profoundly disruptive, disorienting and exhausting year for all! Due to the Covid 19 virus- nothing has remained the same. We have experienced radical change of life as we know it; living with anxiety, fear, illness, isolation, loneliness, death, loss of loved ones, loss of employment, etc. All these affect us and cause physical and mental fatigue.

The church is part of society and has therefore not been immune to these challenges. Even before the pandemic we were seriously considering what the future of the Methodist Church in the circuit might look like.. The Pandemic has made this an even more urgent question to consider. You can read more about this in the Review below

I think that it is important for me to remind you that the Advent season for Christians, is importantly about hope. The hope of advent reminds us that we are a people of hope. Hope is the energy that sustains us beyond every real obstacle, difficulty or challenge we face. In the words of Luther E. Smith, “Hope is a force of God that enlivens us to life and saves us from a false sense of aliveness”. (Weavings: The Work of Hope) Advent hope therefore enables us to look beyond our present realities and see God who did and continues to offer intervention in human history!

I’ve seen this hope reflected in the way we quickly found ways to adapt to this new way of being. One of our Local Preachers started a book club and a coffee morning on Facebook. Someone else started “Coffee and Chat”, sharing weekly church family news. Others started WhatsApp groups to keep regular contact. One homegroup started “Sofa Church” on Zoom. And so many of you started writing cards, letters and making phone calls to keep in touch. Many stewards started writing weekly updates to keep everyone informed. I am deeply indebted to the pastoral secretaries and friends for the invaluable work done during this period. The creative energy that I’ve seen released during this time is something I wish we would continue to embrace as we get closer to some sense of normality.

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

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All these changes that we face, dear friends, cannot and will not change or dilute the message of Christmas! Out of unimaginable love- the transcendent God chose to be vulnerable and take on human nature – in Jesus Christ. This loving and gracious God is always with us! We will never be outside the reach of God’s presence and love in this life or the next! This is the unchanging good news of Christmas!

I therefore pray that whatever our realities are this Christmas- we will celebrate with joy this truth that “We are loved unconditionally by God”. In the words of the prophet Isaiah: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end”. (Isaiah 9:6, 7).

Lastly, my deepest gratitude goes to the Rev’d Brian Kennard, who, during a time of great need in our circuit, helped us to be a better team. Brian’s time with us came to an end in August. Also, the rest of the ministerial team: you’ve been brilliant. A word of gratitude to our Circuit Leadership Team that had to meet more than usual, to navigate us during this time. A special word of appreciation to our Circuit Administrator, Sarah Eason. She is the person holding everything together and making sure that we are as effective as we can be. There is a saying in my mother tongue: “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion”. Together we are stronger.

Keep hope alive!

Your brother in Christ

The Rev’d Romeo Regardo Pedro (Superintendent Minister)

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

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. A review of the 2019 – 20, a year two parts

WORSHIP

There was full provision of Sunday worship up to mid-March following very much the pattern of previous years with the commencement of specific services for the Swahili speaking community.

The three individuals involved in training to become fully accredited local preachers also made encouraging progress.

Post March as the impact of Covid 19 restrictions drastically limited normal worship activities the Circuit moved to offering weekly online worship through the Circuit website along with dial in facilities which have been highly appreciated by members.

At the end of the connexional year the first socially distanced services were held with plans being initiated for these to be gradually increased in September.

SERVICE

The circuit churches continued to seek to effectively support and serve their local communities up to mid-March. The impact of Covid 19 restrictions has drastically altered the situation in the second half of the year with a number of initiatives sadly formally being closed down and much revisioning of options for service will be required going forward.

LEARNING and CARING

The impact of the pandemic has meant a dramatic rethink of care provision within the context of the circuit, with both the adoption of electronic communications mediums like Zoom and extended usage of telephone and written forms of contact. Provision of pastoral care both by the ministry team and volunteers has been severely effected whilst the need has been considerable.

EVANGELISM

At the start of the year some initial thinking had commenced to utilise the Podcast medium as a way to increase contact with those on the edge of our church communities, this initiative was accelerated in April as a new means of sharing the message of the church and once launched has been sustained as a valuable means of sharing the message with new podcasts being released each month.

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 6

SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Based on concerns expressed from across the circuit the leadership team initiated a more formalised review of the overall state of the constituent circuit churches in the last quarter of 2019.

The review gathered views and information about mission, finance, membership and property, with the outcomes published in the Property and Resources Audit (PRAG) report.

In summary the findings were

Early in 2020 churches were just beginning to consult with congregations about the particular circumstances and pressures which are being faced in these areas. Covid 19 has exacerbated the issues and forced us to re-evaluate what we do and this consultation is projected to continue in the next connexional year.

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 7

Review of and financial position of the circuit

The following summary reflects the financial activities of the Circuit for the year, with the previous 3 years provided for comparison: -

2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Income
Assessment contributions from circuit churches 275.3 285.5 276.2 242.9
Other income 0.2 4.1 1.7 1.8
Interest 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.4
Rental income 15.5 15.7 15.9 15.2
Total income 291.3 305.7 294.3 260.3
Expenditure
Ministerial Stipends 171.3 176.2 148.0 155.4
LayWorkers 17.0 17.5 16.9 17.0
Manse maintenance 10.7 11.0 23.0 25.1
Manse utilitycosts 18.5 19.4 21.2 23.0
Methodist Church Fund 46.3 48.0 50.0 46.2
District Assessment 7.9 8.1 9.9 10.6
Grants 3.9 7.6 3.0 0.0
Levy 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.0
Wootton runningcosts 6.8 12.4 5.8 6.8
Depreciation 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
Other Expenses 10.7 15.5 25.8 11.5
Total expenditure 293.4 316.0 304.5 295.9
Net incoming/ (outgoing)resources (2.1) (10.3) (10.2) (35.6)
Increase/ (Reduction)in manse valuation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Gain/ (Loss)on Investments 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Increase/ (Decrease)in value of funds (2.1) (10.3) (10.2) (35.6)

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

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Income trends

Circuit income is primarily drawn from the assessment paid by the circuit churches. During 2019-20 two circuit churches made reduced assessment payments to assist with their overall cashflow.

The rental income relates to the rental of a manse to the Vineyard Church and income generated from Wootton Trinity.

Other income includes grants received from the District, insurance claims and circuit promoted events.

Expenditure trends

Ministerial stipends have increased each financial year in line with conference approved increases, the reduction in 2018/19 reflecting the reduced staffing level, partly offset by increased usage of supernumerary ministerial time.

19.1% of expenditure in 2019-20 is the Circuit contribution to the District and Connection to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.

Fund balances

As at 31 August 2019 the net current assets of the Circuit was £40k, giving approximately 1.6 months cover for expenditure which is below our target level.

Plans for 2020/21

Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there remain four full time ordained staff along with reduced usage of supernumerary ministry. Plans for reductions in staffing from September 2021 are being made in response to the current financial position.

Current planning includes sale of one of the circuits manses, proceeds of which will enable a increasing the circuit financial reserves position to support ongoing activity.

.

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 9

Trustee’s Annual Report on Finance and Governance

Basis of preparation and legal framework

The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2020 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard FRS102.

The Charity’s report and accounts include all the separately established funds for which the Circuit has primary responsibility.

Full Name of Charity: Northampton Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number: 1135635 Date of registration 22 April 2010 The circuit office is located at: Wootton Trinity Christian Centre High Street Wootton Northampton NN4 6LW

The members of the Northampton Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of circuit office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches.

Fully membership is shown as Appendix A to this report.

Circuit Ministers and officers

Active Circuit Ministers Rev Romeo Pedro, Rev Philip Snelson, Rev Francis M Itiiri, Deacon Richard Beckett , Circuit Lay Workers Mr John Brown, ( Until July 2020 ) Circuit Stewards Mrs Margaret Littlecott , Dr Hellen Okello ( From January 2020 ) Mrs E Hale Miss P Kirkland Circuit Treasurer Mr Keith Brooks, Administrator : Miss Sarah Eason

Mr K Brooks acted as the principal officer overseeing the day to day financial management and accounting for the circuit during the year.

Independent examiner Miss C Haynes (ACA)
4 Delamere Road
Northampton
Investment Banker Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 10

Charity objective is to act as a Resource provider within the area around Northampton 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 organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non members alike.

The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. Taking religious assemblies in local schools. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services. Provision of chaplaincy services to the local university and other institutions.

Public Benefitt

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, the Circuit Finance and Property Committee and the Circuit Policy Committee.

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 Northampton District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference.

The circuit is a member of Shared Churches Northampton Ltd in relation to support of the Emmanuel Group of Churches.

Risk Management

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 11

The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Finance and Property Committee with professional advice taken as required.

There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded.

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

Safeguarding

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s recreation 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:

The Northampton 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 Northampton 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.

Reserves Policy

The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to 4 months’ average expenditure. This should be 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.

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

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Annual Financial Statements

Basis of preparation

As treasurer I confirm that I have prepared the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2020 from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit Meeting

----- Start of picture text -----
Signature of W K Brooks Date 22 October
Treasurer 2020
Name W K Brooks ACMA
Address 2a Stanfield Road
Duston
Northampton
----- End of picture text -----

Presentation to the Circuit Meeting for approval.

I confirm that the Accounts have been presented to the Circuit Meeting on 22 October 2020 and were approved.

Signature of the Rev Romeo Pedro 22 October 2020 Chair of the meeting

Name of the Chair of Rev Romeo Pedro the meeting

Date 22 October 2020 _______________

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 13

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2020

Unrestricted
funds		 Model
Trust
Fund		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Total 2019-
20
£ £ £ £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations,legacies &grants 900 900
Church assessments 242,853 242,853
Lettings 9,480 5,721 15,201
- Miscellaneous -
Investments 445 3 6 2 456
Other 855 855
Total 254,533 3 5,727 2 260,265
Expenditure on:
Stipends,salaries,NIC & Pension costs 6 164,435 2,340 166,775
District Assessment 10,552 10,552
Methodist Church Fund 46,200 46,200
Telephone & travel 7,973 7,973
Insurance,utilities,etc 22,973 4,129 27,102
Maintenance on manses 25,084 25,084
Expenditure on other Circuitproperty 5,316 291 5,607
Depreciation 9 250 250
Other Expenditure 6,261 6,261
Grants and Donations 0
Contributions to District Advance Fund 9 9
Total 289,044 9 6,760 0 295,813
Net income/(expenditure) (34,511) (6) (1,033) 2 (35,548)
Transfers between funds 0
(34,511) (6) (1,033) 2 (35,548)
Gains/(Losses) on revaluation of fixed
assets		 0
Gains/(Losses)on investment assets 0
Net investment in funds (34,511) (6) (1,033) 2 (35,548)
Total funds brought forward 1,800,245 332 208,494 1,177 2,010,248
Total funds carried forward 1,765,734 326 207,461 1,179 1,974,700

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 14

Comparative Statement of Financial Activities for previous year ended 31 August 2019

----- Start of picture text -----
Model
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total 2018-
Trust
funds Funds Funds 19
Fund
£ £ £ £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 20 20
Church assessments 276,209 276,209
Lettings 9,480 6,411 15,891
- Miscellaneous 1,591 1,591
Investments 559 3 6 2 570
Other 59 59
Total 286,307 3 8,008 22 294,340
Expenditure on:
Stipends, salaries, NIC & Pension costs 6 164,407 2,303 166,710
District Assessment 9,906 9,906
Methodist Church Fund 49,983 49,983
Telephone & travel 13,149 13,149
Insurance, utilities, etc 21,184 2,745 23,929
Maintenance on manses 23,003 23,003
Expenditure on other Circuit property 4,560 781 5,341
Depreciation 9 250 250
Other Expenditure 5,960 1,860 7,820
Grants and Donations 4,357 100 4,457
Contributions to District Advance Fund 9 9
Total 296,759 9 7,689 100 304,557
Net income/(expenditure) (10,452) (6) 319 (78) (10,217)
Transfers between funds 0
(10,452) (6) 319 (78) (10,217)
Gains/(Losses) on revaluation of fixed
assets 0
Gains/(Losses) on investment assets 0
Net investment in funds (10,452) (6) 319 (78) (10,217)
Total funds brought forward 1,810,695 339 208,176 1,255 2,020,465
Total funds carried forward 1,800,243 333 208,495 1,177 2,010,248
----- End of picture text -----

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 15

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2020

Notes Unrestricted
£		 Circuit Model
Trust Fund
£		 Designated
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Totals this
year
£
Tangible Fixed Assets
Land & Buildings 1,405,700 200,000 1,605,700
Equipment 2,228 2,228
Investmentproperties 338,000 338,000
Investments
Totalfixed assets 1,745,928 200,000 1,945,928
Current Assets
Debtors and Prepayments 11,300 11,300
Other
Trustees for Methodist Church
Purposes deposits		 326 326
Central Finance Board Deposits 57,143 820 57,963
Cash at Bank and in hand 28,835 6,641 1,179 36,655
Total current assets 97,278 326 7,461 1,179 106,244
Creditors and Accruals (due in under
1yr)		 57,472 57,472
Net current assets(liabilities) 39,806 326 7,461 1,179 48,772
Total assets less current liabilities 1,785,734 326 207,461 1,179 1,994,700
Loans and creditors due after 1year 20,000 20,000
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Net assets 1,765,734 326 207,461 1,179 1,974,700
Funds of the Circuit
Unrestricted funds 360,034 360,034
Propertyreserve 1,405,700 200,000 1,605,700
Circuit Model Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)		 326 326
Designated funds 12 7,461 7,461
Restricted funds 12 1,179 1,179
Total Funds 1,765,734 326 207,461 1,179 1,974,700

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 16

Comparative Balance Sheet for 31 August 2019

Notes Unrestricted
£		 Circuit Model
Trust Fund
£		 Designated
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Totals this
year
£
Tangible Fixed Assets
Land & Buildings 1,743,700 200,000 1,943,700
Equipment 2,478 2,478
Investmentproperties
Investments
Totalfixed assets 1,746,178 200,000 1,946,178
Current Assets
Debtors and Prepayments 11,494 11,494
Other
Trustees for Methodist Church
Purposes deposits		 333 333
Central Finance Board Deposits 83,964 814 84,778
Cash at Bank and in hand 21,165 7,681 1,177 30,023
Total current assets 116,623 333 8,495 1,177 126,628
Creditors and Accruals (due in under
1yr)		 62,558 62,558
Net current assets(liabilities) 54,065 333 8,495 1,177
Total assets less current liabilities 1,800,243 333 208,495 1,177 2,010,248
Loans and creditors due after 1year
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Net assets 1,800,243 333 208,495 1,177 2,010,248
Funds of the Circuit
Unrestricted funds 56,543 56,543
Propertyreserve 1,743,700 200,000 1,943,700
Circuit Model Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)		 333 333
Designated funds 12 8,495 8,495
Restricted funds 12 1,177 1,177
Total Funds 1,800,243 333 208,495 1,177 2,010,248

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 17

Notes to the Accounts

1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in accordance with the 2015 version of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS102 – the Charities SORP (FRS102) and taking note of the Update Bulletin 2 issued in 2018.

2 Funds

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

3 Accounting policies

Basis

These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost except that investments are shown at their market value at the end of the year and land and buildings at deemed current value. Accruals accounting principles have been adopted as far as practical to show a true and fair view of the Circuit’s financial position and activities.

Incoming Resources

Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, and the trustees are reasonably certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Resources Expended

This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, that results in the payment being unavoidable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing the Circuit to pay out resources.

Grants

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

VAT

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

Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500. The freehold property is shown in the accounts at 2015 deemed values, of which the land component is deemed to be £350,000. No depreciation is provided on the buildings because the trustees consider the current residual fair value of the manse buildings (on the assumption that it had reached the end of its useful economic life by the yearend) to be not less than its current value. Any depreciation would not be material. The properties have been reviewed for impairment.

Investment Properties

Investment properties – 16 Booth Lane has been deemed to not be held for the long term purposes of the charity and has been reclassified as an investment property prior to its disposal.

Investments

Investments are valued in the balance sheet at market value at the year end. Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable and any gains or losses on revaluation at the year end are shown in the SOFA.

Debtors and Prepayments

The prepayment included in the accounts is in respect of ministerial stipends paid in August due on 1[st] September.8.

Creditors

Creditors include both sundry expenses and specifically the 1st quarter assessment received in August.

4 Payment to Trustees

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 18

There were no payments made to trustees for additional services provided to the Circuit by agreement with the Circuit Meeting, this excludes stipends.

Trustee expenses
Number of Trustees
Total amount		 2019/20
8
£7,907		 2018/19
8 9
£7,907 £13,481

Expense payments primarily relate to reimbursement for travel and computing costs

5 Fees for examination or audit of the accounts

Independent examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the
accounts
Other fees (eg: advice, accountancy services) paid to the
independent examiner or auditor		 2019/20
£
Nil
Nil		 2018/19
£
Nil Nil
Nil Nil

6 Paid employees

Staff Costs paid during the year were:
Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind
129,640
Employer’s National Insurance costs
10,806
25,632
Pension costs
Apprenticeship levy
632
Total staff costs
166,710
Average number of employees in the year were:		 2019/20
£
128,162
10,610
27,472
531
166,775
7		 2018/19
£
129,640
10,806
25,632
632
166,710
7 8

7 Capital Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

At the 31st August 2020 there are no capital commitments. No Contingent liabilities were identified at 31st August 2020.

8 For information only Money received and passed on to External Organisations
Balance brought forward from last year
Offerings/Gifts - received for External Organisations
Offerings/Gifts - passed to External Organisations
Balance carried forward		 2019/20 2018/19
£
0
0
0
£
0
0
0

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 19

9 Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost or valuation

Land
£		 Manses
£		 Other
buildings
£		 Fixtures,
fittings
and
equipment
£		 Payments
on account
and assets
under
constructio
n
£		 Total
£
Balance brought forward 172,000 1,581,700 190,000 4,323 1,948,023
Additions
Revaluations (+/-)
Disposals (-)
Transfers*(+/-)
Balance carried forward 172,000 1,581,700 190,000 4,323 1,948,023

Accumulated depreciation

Balance brought forward 1,845 1,845
Depreciation charge for
year (-)		 250 250
Revaluations (+/-)
Disposals (-)
Transfers*(+/-)
Balance carried forward 2,095 2,095
Net book value
Brought forward 172,000
1,581,700
190,000		 2,478 1,946178
Carried forward 172,000
1,581,700
190,000		 2,228 1,945,928

The additions relate to purchase of computing equipment and manse improvements.

10 Investment assets

The manse at 16 Booth Lane South has been treated as an investment property as it has been identified as surplus to requirements and is due to be sold during 2021.

The circuit has no common investment fund holdings

11 Loans

The Circuit currently has a loan from the District of £20,000 in respect of initial funding related to the redevelopment of the Kingsthorpe Church This has been treated as a long term creditor.

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 20

12 Analysis of restricted and designated funds

Restricted
Fund Name		 Opening
Balance		 Incoming
Resources		 Resources
Expended		 Transfers Closing
Balance		 Purpose of the
fund
Restricted fund
Benevolent
Fund		 1,177 2 0 1,179 Support for
individuals in
specific need
2018/19
1,255		 22 100 1,177
Designated funds
Development
Fund		 912 0 0 912 Available for
funding outreach
and development
work
2018/19 1,181 1,591 1,860 912
Wootton
TrinityFund		 7,582 5,727 6,760 6,549 Fund designated
for the operation &
maintenance of
the centre.
2018/19 6,995 6,415 5,828 7,582
Totals
2017/18		 8,494 5,727 6,760 7,461
8,176 8,006 7,688 8,494

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

Page 21

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Northampton Circuit

This Report is on the Circuit Accounts for the year ended 31st August 2020 and Is carried out under Sections 145 of the Charities Act 2011.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

As Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. The charity is preparing accrued accounts and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission . An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Name

Miss C Haynes ACA

Qualification reference ACA ICAEW 7945127 Address 4 Delamere Road Northampton NN4 8QG

Date 9[th] February 2021

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Appendix A

CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP

MINISTERS

Rev Romeo Pedro Rev Phil Snelson Rev Francis M Itiiri Deacon Richard Beckett

SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS

Rev Alan Sharp

LAYWORKERS

Mr John Brown Miss Sarah Eason

CIRCUIT STEWARDS

Mrs Margaret Littlecott Miss Pam Kirkland Dr Hellen Okello ( From November 2019 ) Mrs Elizabeth Hale

CIRCUIT TREASURER

Mr Keith Brooks

Circuit Local Preachers & Worship Leaders representatives Mr Ian Harrison ( From October 2019)

Circuit Safeguarding Co-ordinator Mrs Jenny Brooks

CIRCUIT CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES

ASTCOTE

Mr Mark Couling Mrs Jackie Bell Mrs Kate Stretton

EMMANUEL GROUP

Mrs Maureen Timms

Mrs Jenny Cole

GREAT BILLING

Mrs Maureen Cross

Mrs Margaret Littlecott

HARPOLE

Mrs Mary Burt Mrs. Lynne Threadgold

Northampton Methodist Circuit Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

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Mrs Sue Powell

KINGSLEY PARK

Mrs Julie Osmond Mrs Gillian White Mrs Christine Forskitt

KINGSTHORPE

PARK AVENUE

Mr Trevor Clarke Mrs Bronwen Thomason Mrs. Hilary MacCallum Mr Alan Brett Mrs Sue Bayliss

QUEENSGROVE

Mrs Christine Walker Mr Barry Andrews

ROADE

Mr Derek Humphrey Mrs Mary Brittain Mrs Jenny Horwell

ST ANDREW'S Ms Linda Caines Mr Ian Harrison (From October 2019)

TOWCESTER ROAD

Mrs Sandra Emerson Mrs Jenny Hughes

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