## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

**(Registered Charity No. 1135822)** 

**TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 August 2020** 

|**CONTENTS**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Trustees' Report**|**1-8**|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**|**9**|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**10**|
|**Balance Sheet**|**11**|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|**12-19**|





## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

# **Trustees' Annual Report on Finance and Governance For the year ended 31 August 2020** 

## **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(FRSSE) 2015. 

## Full Name of Charity: **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

Registration Charity Number: **1135822** 

Date of registration **06 May 2010** 

Main communication address: 

Circuit Office, Asbury House, Merrey Road, Stafford ST17 9LX 

The members of the Stafford 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 as Appendix A on page 8 of this report. 

## **Circuit Ministers and officers** 

Active Circuit Ministers            Rev. Pauline Salter Rev. Jimione Kaci Circuit Lay Worker                    Mrs Calolyn Hamer Mrs Isobel Wakerell Circuit Stewards                       Mr Ian Mason Mr Paul Yates 

Administrator:                           Mrs Leigh Reade 

In accordance with the guidance on term of office, Mr Peter Bell stood down as Treasurer for the Circuit on 31/08/2019 and a replacement is being sought from the local churches. In the interim the remaining Circuit stewards have assumed collective responsibility for the financial accounting for the Circuit during the year. Independent examiner: Bradshaws Limited 

Charter Court, Well House Barns, Chester Road, Chester CH4 0DH 

Investment Bankers: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees For Methodist Church Purposes 

1 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2020** 

## **Aims and organisation** 

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 Circuit produces a bi-monthly preaching plan to ensure that regular acts of worship take place at each of the 7 Methodist Churches and 3 Local Ecumenical Partnerships in its geographical area. The Stafford Circuit is constituted to offer acts of worship in its church communities and to further the mission of the Church in Stafford and across the borough of Stafford. With our primary internal function being that of Christian worship, we organise acts of worship in each of the 10 Circuit churches every Sunday. Our internal structure is based on a Circuit Meeting which meets four times a year; a Local Preachers meeting which meets around four times a year; Circuit Leadership Team meetings throughout the year, and Staff Meetings which meet monthly. We endeavour to make our meetings more than just talking shops; they are the place where important decisions are made and within them, we plan our strategies and fulfill our role as Charity Trustees. 

## **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). 

## **Trustee Training** 

A range of guidance is 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 Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. 

The following Methodist Churches/LEP's are linked to the circuit: Barlaston, Berkswich, Bishops Offley, Eccleshall, Gnosall, Milwich (LEP), Rising Brook, Rowley Street, St Johns, Stone (LEP), Trinity (LEP), Weston, Woodseaves. 

2 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2020** 

## **Review of the year** 

2019/2020 has again necessitated new ways of working due to the pandemic which began to affect the way we operated from March 15th 2020.  The ordained staff team remains the same with two full time presbyters working alongside one administrator, two pastoral workers and two youth workers.  We have worked as a team across the whole circuit with the core team of presbyters, administrator and pastoral workers meeting regularly to ensure the ministry of the church is effective.  Last year saw the closure of two of the churches. We still hope to find a mission purpose for the Woodseaves building but the pandemic has made it impossible to begin any new work on the premises.  Investigations are ongoing to explore the possibility of using the building for mission projects, and we have been advised that we do not need to show the building as an investment property in our accounts at this time. 

Rowley Street made the decision to close at the end of August 2019. We have been pursuing the possibility of selling the building.  In August 2020 TMCP helped us look at the possibilities and necessary steps to sell the building but again, the pandemic has prevented advancing further. 

The worshipping life of all the churches is very important.  However, the pandemic has meant we have had to make difficult decisions about the way we worship. On March 16th 2020 the leadership team of the circuit took the decision to ask all the churches to close their buildings for all activities and worship. This was followed only a week later by a national lockdown where churches were required to remain closed. Over the summer months a lot of energy was put into ensuring the buildings could be reopened safely in September. In person worship would only be offered once a month by a preacher as several of our preachers were in the vulnerable categories.  The buildings being closed has proved to be a catalyst to churches thinking about ways to safely worship. This has resulted in two live services every Sunday using Zoom, with appropriate safeguards put in place. A prerecorded act of worship has been provided every week. Each church takes a turn in organising the service which is then available on YouTube and Facebook. Churches moved prayer meetings online and some took to reaching out to people by two people holding a short service in the garden or on the pavement for those who were unable to leave their homes. The churches have seen a growth in numbers and are more effectively reaching those who were too old and frail to attend worship.It is important to maintain and develop the worshipping life of the church as it is the catalyst for other areas of our calling. From worship flows our three other main activities within local, national and global communities; learning & caring, service and evangelism. 

3 



**STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

**Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2020** 

## **Review of the year (continued)** 

Our churches seek to embrace the breadth of ‘Our Calling’ whilst also recognising the challenges and difficulties. We are rooted in a number of different local communities, but our vision is much wider as we seek to serve the wider church and world in our work. Work in the community continues to be an important aspect of the circuit's mission. Sadly, the pandemic has meant that our buildings were not available for community use. However, this has not prevented the churches finding ways to reach out to their communities. Our youth workers continue to support the young people in a variety of ways though in person youth work has not been possible since March.  When considering achievements and performance it is right to pay tribute to the many people throughout the circuit who in their daily lives respond to the call of Jesus “follow me” by offering pastoral care and/or practical help, and, to the team of Local Preachers’ who enable services to take place Sunday by Sunday. We operate an open-door policy and welcome all to our church communities and wider work irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or any kind of disability, taking seriously the challenge to love God, self and neighbour. 

## **Financial Review** 

Circuit income is drawn primarily from the assessments paid by the churches, and during the year these increased by 2% in line with the annual review to £223,761 (2019: £219,384). Rental income fell by 19% to £11,076 as a result of closure of Woodseaves church the previous year, however, rental of a former manse and office space at Asbury House were maintained. The costs of Ministerial stipends and lay worker salaries were level with the previous year, however, there was an increase in the cost of repairs and maintenance associated with refurbishment of one of the manses and former manse (rental property). These repairs were in line with the budget allocated for this purpose. 

At 31st August 2020, unrestricted funds, excluding Land & Buildings, stood at £314,535 (2019: £301.295) of which £263,124 was not designated for any particular purpose. 

Given the restrictions on normal activity and uncertainty of future income brought about by the Covid Pandemic, the Circuit Leadership Team felt it was necessary to maintain a position of responsiveness and would be inappropriate to reduce the free reserves at this time. 

## **Plans for 2020/21** 

Plans for 2020/21 are difficult to make with a high degree of certainty. Many churches in the Circuit have suffered a reduction in income due to lack of attendance offertory and a review of the financial position is planned (will be needed) once all audited accounts are available from all churches. 

4 



**STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

**Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2020** 

## **Reserves Policy** 

## **General** 

It is the Trustees policy to maintain a balance of unrestricted and undesignated funds equivalent to between three and four months average unrestricted expenditure, to cover unexpected requirement which may occur from time to time, and also to maintain a fund of between £50,000 and £75,000 to enable the Circuit to assist its churches with appropriate grants and loans. 

## **St Johns Mission & Development Fund** 

This fund, set up with the Methodist share of the proceeds from the sale of the St John's Church building, has been designated for St John's use in developing its future mission plans. The fund is monitored by the Circuit Meeting to ensure that that monies will be used, both for an approved purpose and within a reasonable timescale. 

## **Property Refurbishment Fund** 

Manse refurbishments are carried out at irregular intervals, usually to coincide with a change in Minsters, and can therefore fluctuate wildly from year to year. This fund, which will ensure that adequate provision is made for future costs, will be capped at a maximum of £25,000. 

## **Risk Management** 

The major risks associated with the Circuit have been identified by the Circuit Leadership Team. A regular review process is in place and will be recorded. 

## **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: 

- the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults 

- the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable 

- the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse. 

• 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. 

5 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2020** 

## **Safeguarding (continued)** 

• 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. 

- We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an 

- appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care. 

- We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of 

- trust. 

• 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. 

- In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice 

The  Stafford Methodist 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  Stafford Methodist 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. 

## **Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities** 

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted 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 fair view of  the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these statements, the trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2015 (FRSSE); 

- make judgements and 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; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. 

6 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2020** 

## **Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities (continued)** 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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 the trust deed. 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. 

## **DECLARATION** 

The Charity's Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees' Report above. 

Signed on behalf of the charity's Trustees 

Signatures 

Name Rev. Pauline Salter                                                 Leigh Barbara Reade PositionChair                                                                        Secretary Date 17th June 2021 

7 



**STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

**Appendix A** 

## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2020** 

## **CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP** 

**MINISTERS** Rev. P M Salter Rev. J Kaci **LAYWORKERS** Mrs C A Hamer Mrs I Wakerell **CIRCUIT STEWARDS** Mr I Mason Dr P C Yates Mr P W Hardy Mrs J D Wood **CIRCUIT MEETING SECRETARY** Mrs L B Reade **LOCAL PREACHERS REPRESENTATIVES** Mrs G F Ashmore Dr M Timothy (until 01/05/2020) Mrs M E Winnington **CIRCUIT REPRESENTATIVES TO SYNOD** Mr P Hardy from 28/11/2019 Mrs V Bates from 28/11/2019 Dr S McCready-Shea from 01/12/2019 Mrs M E Hemingway **CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES Barlaston** Mrs K A Ford **Rising Brook** Mr I F Baldwin Mrs K M Bradburn Mrs I M Cantrill Mrs S Watson **Berkswich** Mr D C East Mrs C East **St John's, Stone** Mrs A Dair Mrs P Roberts Mr A R Heath Mrs L M Westoby Mr D C Stewart Mr T A S Goodchild **Trinity, Stafford** Miss W E Harris **Bishops Offley** Mrs M E Hemingway Mr T Houghton Mrs J Palin Mr A Lowe Mrs A Hardy Miss L Birch **Eccleshall** Mrs C Harper **Weston** Mrs B Gillespie Mrs D H Kirkham Mr C Gillespie Mrs M Embrey **Gnosall** Mr W D Basford Mr T H Harrison Mrs J Jobling **Milwich** Mr R W Knight Mrs E Hodson 

8 



**STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 August 2020** 

## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Stafford Methodist Circuit** 

I report on the Accounts of the Stafford Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31st August 2020 which are set out on pages 10 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 charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

## **Independent examiner’s statement** 

Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies. 

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

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

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

3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

A J Bradshaw FCA Charter Court Bradshaws Limited Well House Barns Chartered Accountants Chester Road Registered Auditor Bretton, Chester 17th June 2021 CH4 0DH 

9 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2020** 

|**Notes**<br>**Income and Endowments:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>2<br>Income from MonetaryInvestments<br>3<br>Assessments on Churches<br>4<br>Capital Receipts<br>5<br>Grants<br>6<br>Rents received<br>7<br>Other Income<br>8<br>**Total charitable Income**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Grants and  Donations<br>Stipends,salaries,NIC & Pension costs<br>9<br>District Assessment & Levy<br>10<br>URC Mission & Ministry<br>11<br>Property<br>12<br>Office Expenses<br>Telephone & TravellingExpenses<br>13<br>Other Expenditure<br>14<br>**Total charitable expenditure**<br>**Net income before investment**<br>**gains/losses**<br>Netgains on monetaryinvestments<br>Disposals/Revaluations<br>**Net incoming/(outgoing)**<br>**resources before transfers**<br>Transfers between funds<br>22<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**Total funds carried forward**|<br>**Unrestricted Funds**|<br>**Unrestricted Funds**|<br>**Unrestricted Funds**|**Resricted**<br>**Funds**|||<br>**Unrestricted Funds**|<br>**Unrestricted Funds**|<br>**Unrestricted Funds**|**Resricted**<br>**Funds**||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**|**Circuit Model**<br>**Trust**|**Designated**|**Restricted**|**Total**<br>**2019-20**||**Unrestricted**|**Circuit Model**<br>**Trust**|**Designated**|**Restricted**|**Total**<br>**2018-19**|
||£|£|£|£|£||£|£|£|£|£|
|**Income and Endowments:**||||||||||||
|Donations and legacies||||18,544|18,544|||||31,248|31,248|
|Income from MonetaryInvestments|970|1,180|223||2,373||993|1,197|212||2,402|
|Assessments on Churches|223,761||||223,761||219,384||||219,384|
|Capital Receipts|||||0||||||0|
|Grants|||||0||||||0|
|Rents received|11,076||||11,076||13,628||||13,628|
|Other Income|||||0||3,915||||3,915|
|**Total charitable Income**|**235,807**|**1,180**|**223**|**18,544**|**255,754**||**237,920**|**1,197**|**212**|**31,248**|**270,577**|
|||||||||||||
|||||||||||||
|**Expenditure on:**||||||||||||
|||||||||||||
|Grants and  Donations|||||0||0||||0|
|Stipends,salaries,NIC & Pension costs|133,547|||28,313|161,860||130,193|||27,535|157,728|
|District Assessment & Levy|40,266|4,567|||44,833||40,131|4,760|||44,891|
|URC Mission & Ministry|6,787||||6,787||10,796||||10,796|
|Property|19,457||||19,457||14,696||||14,696|
|Office Expenses|4,686||||4,686||4,507||||4,507|
|Telephone & TravellingExpenses|9,401|||264|9,665||13,938|||333|14,271|
|Other Expenditure|4,976|283||300|5,559||3,160|291||205|3,656|
|||||||||||||
|**Total charitable expenditure**|**219,120**|**4,850**|**0**|**28,877**|**252,847**||**217,421**|**5,051**|**0**|**28,073**|**250,545**|
|||||||||||||
|**Net income before investment**||||||||||||
|**gains/losses**|**16,687**|**(3,670)**|**223**|**(10,333)**|**2,907**||**20,499**|**(3,854)**|**212**|**3,175**|**20,032**|
|Netgains on monetaryinvestments|||||0||||||0|
|Disposals/Revaluations|||||0||||||0|
|||||||||||||
|**Net incoming/(outgoing)**||||||||||||
|**resources before transfers**|**16,687**|**(3,670)**|**223**|**(10,333)**|**2,907**||**20,499**|**(3,854)**|**212**|**3,175**|**20,032**|
|Transfers between funds|||||0||(6,500)||6,500||0|
|**Net movement in funds**|**16,687**|**(3,670)**|**223**|**(10,333)**|**2,907**||**13,999**|**(3,854)**|**6,712**|**3,175**|**20,032**|
|||||||||||||
|Total funds brought forward|712,759|141,348|47,188|26,936|928,231||698,760|145,202|40,476|23,761|908,199|
|**Total funds carried forward**|**729,446**|**137,678**|**47,411**|**16,603**|**931,138**||**712,759**|**141,348**|**47,188**|**26,936**|**928,231**|



10 



**STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2020** 

|**Tangible Fixed Assets**<br>**Notes**<br>Circuit Manses & Equipment<br>15<br>Investment Properties<br>Investments<br>**_Totalfixed assets_**<br>**Current Assets**<br>Debtors and Prepayments<br>16<br>Loans bythe Circuit<br>17<br>Central Finance Board Deposits<br>18<br>Cash at Bank and in hand<br>18<br>Trustees for Methodist Church<br>Purposes<br>19<br>**_Total current assets_**<br>**Creditors and Accruals (due in**<br>**under 1yr)**<br>20<br>**_Net current assets(liabilities)_**<br>**_Total assets less current_**<br>**_liabilities_**<br>**Creditors and Accruals (due after**<br>**more than 1year)**<br>**_Net assets_**<br>**Funds of the Circuit**|**Tangible Fixed Assets**<br>**Notes**<br>Circuit Manses & Equipment<br>15<br>Investment Properties<br>Investments<br>**_Totalfixed assets_**<br>**Current Assets**<br>Debtors and Prepayments<br>16<br>Loans bythe Circuit<br>17<br>Central Finance Board Deposits<br>18<br>Cash at Bank and in hand<br>18<br>Trustees for Methodist Church<br>Purposes<br>19<br>**_Total current assets_**<br>**Creditors and Accruals (due in**<br>**under 1yr)**<br>20<br>**_Net current assets(liabilities)_**<br>**_Total assets less current_**<br>**_liabilities_**<br>**Creditors and Accruals (due after**<br>**more than 1year)**<br>**_Net assets_**<br>**Funds of the Circuit**|**Unrestricted Funds**|**Unrestricted Funds**|**Unrestricted Funds**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**General**<br>**£**|**Circuit Model**<br>**Trust**<br>**£**|**Designated**<br>**£**||**Totals**<br>**2019-20**<br>**£**|Totals<br>2018-19<br>£|
|||||||||
|||600,000||||**600,000**|600,000|
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||600,000||||**600,000**|600,000|
|||||||||
|||7,369||||**7,369**|7,576|
||||||||1,250|
|||90,311||47,411|16,603|**154,325**|223,854|
|||71,903||||**71,903**|14,450|
||||137,678|||**137,678**|141,348|
|||169,583|137,678|47,411|16,603|**371,275**|388,478|
|||||||||
|||40,137||||**40,137**|60,247|
|||||||||
|||129,446|137,678|47,411|16,603|**331,138**|328,231|
|||||||||
|||729,446|137,678|47,411|16,603|**931,138**|928,231|
|||||||||
||||||||-|
||||||||-|
|||||||||
|||729,446|137,678|47,411|16,603|**931,138**|928,231|
|||||||||
|General Fund(Unrestricted)||729,446||47,411||**729,446**|712,759|
|Circuit Model Trust Fund<br>(Unrestricted)|||137,678|||**137,678**|141,348|
|Designated Funds (Unrestricted)||||47,411||**47,411**|47,188|
|Restricted funds|||||16,603|**16,603**|26,936|
|**_Total Funds_**|22|729,446|137,678|47,411|16,603|**931,138**|928,231|



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. 

Peter Hardy 

Date 

17th June 2021 

I confirm that the Accounts have been presented to the Circuit Meeting on 28.11.19 and were approved. 

Signature of the Chair of the Meeting 

Rev. Pauline Salter 

17th June 2021 

Date 

11 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Notes to the Accounts for the year ending 31 August 2020** 

## **1. Basis of accounting and accounting policies** 

## **i      Accounting standard** 

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in accordance with _Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)_ applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective from 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)). 

## **ii     Public benefit entity** 

The Stafford Methodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 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 except that investments are shown at their market value at the end of the year. The accruals basis has been used and the trustees present accounts that show a true and fair view of the Circuit's financial position and activities. 

## **iv    Content** 

The financial information is relevant, reliable, comparable and complete.Where estimates are used, these are based on experience, research and judgement. The accounts are expressed in £Sterling, rounded to the nearest pound. 

## **v    Going concern** 

Based on the monetary assets and human resources available at 31 August 2020, the trustees believe that the Circuit is a going concern. 

## **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 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. 

## **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 is recurrent over more than one year the balance payable in future years is treated as a provision for future commitments in the Balance Sheet against the appropriate fund, the provision being released in future years as instalments are paid 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. 

## **xi   Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit** 

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £1,000. 

The freehold property is shown in the accounts at 2015 deemed values, of which the land component is deemed to be £150,000.  No depreciation is provided on the buildings because the trustees consider the current residual value of the property in its present condition to be not less than its current value, and in the absence of any evidence of impairment, any depreciation provision would not be material. 

12 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Notes to the Accounts for the year ending 31 August 2020 (continued)** 

## **xi   Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit - continued** 

From time to time the Circuit may be required to assume responsibility for Church premises following closure and cessation for worship. This results in the Circuit becoming Managing Trustees for the property. At that time the property is recognised as an asset at its anticipated net sale price as determined by a professional valuation and after taking into consideration the levy to be charged by the Connexion. Any expenditure on such assets, if held for reinvestment of the proceeds, as the trustees determine, that is likley to enhance sales value is capitalised at the time the expenditure is incurred. Where the proceeds are intended to be spent on activities, the property is included in current assets at the lower of cost and realisable value. 

## **xii   Monetary investments** 

The Circuit's investments are in monetary assets classified as basic financial instruments under FRS102 and are held by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) as custodian trustees. The valuations, at market value, are those provided by TMCP. 

## **xiii  Investment Property** 

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 two years, 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 furtherance of the Circuit's charitable objectives. There are currently no properties regarded as Investment Properties. 

## **xiv Receivables and Payables; Bank and Cash (Basic Financial Instruments)** 

Debtors are stated at the amount owed to the Circuit or prepaid. Creditors that are current liabilities are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid. The liquid funds of bank balances and deposit fund balances are shown at their realisable values. 

## **xv  Funds** 

The trustees have adopted a policy for all unrestricted reserves which is set out in the Trustees Report. 

13 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Notes to the Accounts for the year ending 31 August 2020 (continued)** 

## **2     Donations and Legacies** 

|**Donations and Legacies**|||
|---|---|---|
||Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2020**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|
|Donations<br>Legacies||-<br>-<br>31,248<br>31,248<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>31,248<br>31,248<br>Unrestricted<br>CMTF<br>Restricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|
||1,193<br>-<br>-<br>1,193<br>-<br>1,180<br>-<br>1,180<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,193<br>1,180<br>-<br>2,373|1,205<br>-<br>-<br>1,205<br>-<br>1,197<br>-<br>1,197<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,205<br>1,197<br>-<br>2,402|
|Total|||



## **3     Income from Monetary Investments** 

## **4     Assessments on Churches** 

At the beginning of the year, the Circuit comprised of 12 churches and each was assessed for a contribution to meet the overall net costs of the Circuit. For several years the Circuit has been engaged in a plan to ensure that each church's contribution is assessed on a fairer basis than that used in the past. The method used takes account, to varying degrees, of membership, attendance and income, utilising an annual cap on the size of individual annual adjustments. 

## **5     Capital Receipts** 

There were no capital receipts during the year (2019: nil). 

## **6     Grants Receivable** 

|**Grants Receivable**|||
|---|---|---|
||Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2020**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|
|District Advance Fund<br>Total<br>**Property Rentals**<br>Letting - non-investment<br>property<br>Office space<br>Woodseaves<br>Total|-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2020**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|
||9,240<br>-<br>-<br>9,240<br>1,836<br>-<br>-<br>1,836<br>-<br>11,076<br>-<br>-<br>11,076|8,232<br>-<br>-<br>8,232<br>2,106<br>-<br>-<br>2,106<br>3,290<br>3,290<br>13,628<br>-<br>-<br>13,628|



## **7     Property Rentals** 

The Circuit's manse in Widecombe Avenue is curently let on a short-term basis. It is still anticipated that it may again be required to house a Minister in the next 1 to 2 years. Following the closure of Woodseaves Methodist Church on 31 December 2018, the premises continued to be let out to a local Playgroup on a short-term basis. 

## **8     Other Income** 

|**Other Income**|||
|---|---|---|
|Balance on closure -<br>Woodseaves Church<br>Total|Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2020**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|
||-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|3,915<br>-<br>-<br>3,915<br>3,915<br>-<br>-<br>3,915|



14 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Notes to the Accounts for the year ending 31 August 2020 (continued)** 

## **9   Stipends & Salaries** 

_**Ministers**_ - Stipends were paid to 2 Methodist Presbyters (2.0 FTE) (2018-19 2 Presbyters (2.5 FTE)):- 

|Stipends & Allowances<br>National Insurance<br>Pension Costs|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit<br>Model Trust<br>Fund<br>Restricted<br>**2020**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>53,019<br>53,019<br>4,852<br>4,852<br>13,370<br>13,370<br>71,241<br>0<br>0<br>71,241|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit<br>Model Trust<br>Fund<br>Restricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|
|---|---|---|
|||51,074<br>51,074<br>4,621<br>4,621<br>13,002<br>13,002|
|||68,697<br>0<br>0<br>68,697|



In addition, a United Reformed Church Minister worked in the Circuit during 2017/18 on a part time basis - see note 12. 

_**Lay employees**_ - Salaries were paid to 6 Lay Employees (3.7 FTE) (2017-18 2.5 FTE). 

|Salaries<br>National Insurance<br>Pension Costs<br>**Total**|57,042<br>24,635<br>81,677<br>3,243<br>2,200<br>5,443<br>2,021<br>1,478<br>3,499<br>62,306<br>0<br>28,313<br>90,619<br>133,547<br>0<br>28,313<br>161,860|56,487<br>23,964<br>80,451<br>2,866<br>2,133<br>4,999<br>2,143<br>1,438<br>3,581|
|---|---|---|
|||61,496<br>0<br>27,535<br>89,031|
||||
|||130,193<br>0<br>27,535<br>157,728|



No employees received employee benefits of more than £60,000. There is no accrual for holiday pay as it is immaterial. All staff are paid at or above the Living Wage. 

## _**Pensions**_ 

Most ordained presbyters are members of the Methodist Ministers' Pension Scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme. The Supreme Court held in 2014 that Methodist ministers are not employees of the Church. For simplicy, 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. 

On the other hand, lay employees are contractually employees and have the option of joining a pension scheme which the Circuit has arranged with The Pension Trust. 

## **9a   Costs of Superintendent, Presbyters and Trustees** 

The Suprintendent 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 the 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 Circuit. 

The manses are provided by the Circuit and the Circuit maintains the property (one manse in the Circuit is owned by the United Reformed Church (URC) and is maintained jointly under a sharing agreement). The value of Council Tax and water charges is not disclosed here as HMRC does not regard this as a benefit-in-kind in the hands of the minister. 

## **Payments to Trustees** 

Apart from the Presbyters, Circuit Administrator, and Circuit Lay Workers, no member of the Circuit Meeting was in receipt of any payment for work undertaken on behalf of the Circuit, although certain travelling and administration costs were reimbursed in particular cases. 

Three trustees (Circuit Administrator and 2 Pastoral Layworkers) are employees of the Circuit and are in receipt of salaries and other employment related expenses. 

|**2020**<br>6<br>Total amount paid<br>8,061<br>£<br>Expense payments primarily relate to reimbursement for travel, stationery and computing costs.<br>£<br>Number of trustees who were paid expenses|**2019**|
|---|---|
||7|
|||
||8,744|



15 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Notes to the Accounts for the year ending 31 August 2020 (continued)** 

## **10   District Assessment & Levy** 

In common with other circuits in the District, the Circuit pays an annual assessment to the Wolverhampton & Shewsbury District of the Methodist Church, which is based on the number of Methodist Presbyters and Lay Workers within each circuit. The Levy is calculated on a sliding scale percentage of the balance of the Circuit's CMTF at 31 August in the previous accounting year. 

|District Assessment<br>District Levy|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust Fund<br>Restricted<br>**2020**<br>Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust Fund<br>Restricted<br>**2019**<br>40,266<br>-<br>-<br>40,266<br>40,131<br>-<br>-<br>40,131<br>-<br>4,567<br>-<br>4,567<br>-<br>4,760<br>-<br>4,760|
|---|---|
||40,266<br>4,567<br>-<br>44,833<br>40,131<br>4,760<br>-<br>44,891|



## **11   URC Mission & Ministry** 

Two churches in the Circuit - St John's and Trinity, are Methodist/URC Local Eccumenical Partnerships. The URC Synod makes an annual charge relating to its general costs and specifically to the cost of ministry provided to the two churches concerned, where applicable. In the year to 31 August 2020: NIL (2019: NIL) of a URC Minister's time was allocated in respect of the URC presence within the Circuit and this cost, together with other URC costs allocated on a deemed 50/50 Methodist/URC membership, is regarded as a Circuit cost. 

The total cost for the year ended 31st August 2020 was £6,787 (2019: 10,796). 

## **12   Property Costs** 

The Circuit is Managing Trustee for 3 manses or former manses. In addition to one manse which houses one of the Circuit's Ministers, one former manse is used as the Circuit Office, whilst another is let on a short-term basis pending it being brought back into use as a manse. A further manse in the Circuit is owned by the URC and is maintained jointly under a sharing agreement. 

|Insurance, Council Tax & Utilities<br>General Maintenance & other property|**2020**<br>£<br>10,111<br>9,346<br>19,457|**2019**<br>£<br>10,380<br>4,316|
|---|---|---|
|||14,696|



The Circuit holds a Property Refurbishment Fund (a designated fund of the Circuit) to provide for unforseen and significant repairs which may be required from time to time. During the year £nil was transferred into this fund from the General Fund, bringing the total to £15,000 (2019: £15,000) at the end of the year. 

## **13   Telephone & Travelling Expenses** 

|Telephone Costs<br>Travelling Expenses|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2020**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>3,376<br>-<br>-<br>3,376<br>6,025<br>-<br>264<br>6,289<br>9,401<br>-<br>264<br>9,665|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|
|---|---|---|
|||4,238<br>-<br>-<br>4,238<br>9,700<br>-<br>333<br>10,033|
|||13,938<br>-<br>333<br>14,271|



## **14   Other Expenditure** 

|**Other Expenditure**|||
|---|---|---|
|Youth/Children's Work<br>Maternity Leave Cover<br>Independent Examination<br>Training<br>Ministers' Removal Costs<br>St Johns M&D Fund<br>Miscellaneous|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2020**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>522<br>-<br>-<br>522<br>0<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>690<br>-<br>-<br>690<br>870<br>-<br>-<br>870<br>0<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>0<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>2,894<br>283<br>300<br>3,477<br>4,976<br>283<br>300<br>5,559|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£|
|||211<br>-<br>205<br>416<br>0<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>660<br>-<br>-<br>660<br>458<br>-<br>-<br>458<br>0<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>0<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>1,831<br>291<br>-<br>2,122|
|||3,160<br>291<br>205<br>3,656|



16 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Notes to the Accounts for the year ending 31 August 2020 (continued)** 

## **15   Tangible Fixed Assets** 

## **Cost or valuation** 

|**Cost or valuation**|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Residential**<br>**Land**<br>**£**|**Other**<br>**Land**<br>**£**|**Manses***<br>**£**|**Other**<br>**Buildings****<br>**£**|**Other fixed**<br>**assets**<br>**including**<br>**motor vehicles**<br>**£**|**Fixtures,**<br>**fittings and**<br>**equipment**<br>**£**|**Payments on**<br>**account and**<br>**assets under**<br>**construction**<br>**£**|**Total**<br>**£**|
|Balance brought forward|150,000|-|175,000|275,000|-|-|-|600,000|
|Additions|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Revaluations(+/-)|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Disposals(-)|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Transfers *(+/-)|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Balance carried forward|150,000|-|175,000|275,000|-|-|-|600,000|



## **Accumulated depreciation** 

|**Accumulated depreciation**|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|****Basis**<br>**** Rate**|||SL or RB|SL or RB|SL or RB|SL or RB|||
||||||||||
|Balance brought forward|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Depreciation charge foryear(-)|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Revaluations(+/-)|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Disposals(-)|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Transfers*(+/-)|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Balance carried forward|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|**Net book value**|||||||||
|Brought forward|150,000|-|175,000|275,000|-|-|-|600,000|
|Carried forward|150,000|-|175,000|275,000|-|-|-|600,000|



*Manses comprise one manse in Gnosall. **Other buildings comprise two former manses; one now used as the Circuit Office and one which is temporarily being let. It is anticipated that the latter may be brought back into use as a manse within the next two years. 

17 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Notes to the Accounts for the year ending 31 August 2020 (continued)** 

## **16   Debtors & Prepayments** 

|Stipend paid in error<br>Prepayments - Stipends etc<br>paid in advance<br>Other Prepayments|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2020**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>6,025<br>-<br>-<br>6,025<br>1,344<br>-<br>-<br>1,344<br>7,369<br>0<br>0<br>7,369|Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit<br>Model Trust<br>Fund<br>Restricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>5,865<br>-<br>-<br>5,865<br>1,711<br>-<br>-<br>1,711|
|---|---|---|
|||7,576<br>0<br>0<br>7,576|



## **17   Loans to Churches** 

|**Church**|**Date Granted**|**Amount**|**Period**|**Balance**|**Repaid**|**Balance**||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**B/fwd**|**this year**|**C/fwd**||
|Gnosall (property repairs)|21.04.16|£5,000|4 Years|1,250|1,250||0|



## **18   Central Finance Board and Bank Balances** 

|Central Finance Board<br>NatWest Bank<br>CAF Bank<br>HSBC Bank<br>Cash|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2020**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>137,722<br>-<br>16,603<br>154,325<br>3,349<br>-<br>-<br>3,349<br>67,304<br>-<br>-<br>67,304<br>472<br>-<br>-<br>472<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>71,125<br>0<br>0<br>71,125|Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit<br>Model Trust<br>Fund<br>Restricted<br>**2019**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>196,864<br>-<br>26,990 223,854|
|---|---|---|
|||4,713<br>-<br>-<br>4,713<br>8,393<br>-<br>-<br>8,393<br>1,344<br>-<br>-<br>1,344<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|
|||14,450<br>0<br>0<br>14,450|



## **19   Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP)** 

The funds that support the Circuit Model Trust Fund are held by TMCP in the Trustees Interest Fund on which interest is credited each month. TMCP is the legal owner and custodian trustee of all Methodist model trust property, including legacies, endowments and accumulated funds. 

## **20   Creditors, Accruals and Income in advance** 

It is expected that all sums accrued at 31st August 2020 will be paid in the year to 31 August 2021 

|**Income in Advance**<br>Assessments in advance<br>Rent<br>**Creditors & Accruals**<br>Funds held for Churches<br>URC M & M Costs<br>A/c's Examination<br>Travelling Expenses<br>Utilities & insurance<br>Other Property Costs<br>Salaries<br>Other|Unrestricted<br>General Fund<br>Circuit Model<br>Trust FundRestricted<br>**2020**|Unrestricted<br>General<br>Fund<br>Circuit<br>Model Trust<br>Fund<br>Restricted<br>**2019**|
|---|---|---|
||£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>41,989<br>-<br>-<br>41,989<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(4,779)<br>-<br>-<br>(4,779)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>720<br>-<br>-<br>720<br>266<br>-<br>0<br>266<br>720<br>-<br>-<br>720<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>1,220<br>-<br>-<br>1,220<br>40,137<br>0<br>0<br>40,137|£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>41,989<br>-<br>-<br>41,989<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>14,767<br>-<br>-<br>14,767<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>690<br>-<br>-<br>690<br>729<br>-<br>54<br>783<br>853<br>-<br>-<br>853<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>0<br>865<br>865<br>300<br>-<br>-<br>300|
|||60,193<br>0<br>54<br>60,247|



## **21   Capital Commitments and Contingent Liabilities** 

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

18 



## **STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **Notes to the Accounts for the year ending 31 August 2020 (continued)** 

## **22. Summary of Fund movements** 

## **Unrestricted Funds** 

|**Unrestricted Fund Name**|**Unrestricted Fund Name**|**Opening**<br>**Balance**|**Income**|**Expenditure **|**Transfers**|<br>**Closing**<br>**Balance**|**Purpose of the fund**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**||
|General||712,759|<br>236,030|<br>219,120||729,669|<br>Generalpurposes|
|Circuit Model Trust Fund||141,348|<br>1,180|<br>4,850||137,678|<br>Generalpurposes|
|Property Refurbishment Fund||15,000||||15,000|<br>Provision for future refurbishments/major repairs|
|St John's M&D Fund||31,196||||31,196|<br>Mission & Development at St John's,Stone|
|Superintendent's Discretionary||992||||992|<br>Discretionaryspend in cases of local need etc.|
|Totals||901,295|<br>237,210|<br>223,970||914,535||
|**Restricted Funds**||||||||
|**Restricted Fund Name**||**Opening**<br>**Balance**|**Income**|**Expenditure **|**Transfers**|<br>**Closing**<br>**Balance**|**Purpose of the fund**|
|Children's Worker Fund||26,936|18,544|28,877||16,603|Funded from private donations for the employment<br>of a Schools Worker, employed by  the Circuit but<br>based in Berkswich Church|
|||||||||
||**Total of all Funds**|||||||
|||**928,231**|**255,754**|**252,847**||**931,138**||



## **23. Related Parties** 

Related Parties include The Methodist Connexion, the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District, Churches within the Circuit (listed below), CFB and TMCP. 

_**Churches within the Circuit:**_ 

Barlaston Berkswich Bishops Offley Eccleshall Gnosall Milwich (Anglican/Methodist) Rising Brook *Rowley Street (closed 31.08.2019) St Johns, Stone (Methodist/URC) Trinity, Stafford (Methodist/URC) Weston *Woodseaves (closed 31.12.2018) 

## **24. Leasing Commitments** 

At 31 August 2020 the Charity had commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:- 

£ 

Total liability payable over 2 years 2,208 

19