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← Stafford Methodist Circuit

2023-08-31-accounts

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Stafford Methodist Circuit

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2023

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 135822

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31st August 2023

Reference and Administrative Details 1-2
Report of the Trustees 3-11
Independent Examiners Report 12
Statement of Financial Activities 13
Balance Sheet 15
Notes to the Financial Statements 16-27

Reference and Administrative Details for the Year ended 31[st] August 2023

Principal Address Circuit Office
Asbury House
Merrey Road
Stafford
ST17 9LX
Registered Charity Number 1135822
Independent Examiner Stephen Hendy
Data Developments (UK) Ltd
First Floor, The Chubb Buildings
Fryer Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 1HT
Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church
9 Bonhill Street
London
EC2A 4PE
The Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
Central Buildings
Oldham Street
Manchester
M1 1JQ

Page 1

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Reference and Administrative Details for the Year ended 31st August 2023 cont.

The trustees as set out below have held office during the period 1[st] September 2022 to the date of this report, unless otherwise stated:

Ministers Rev. D.J. Bintliff Rev. J. Kaci (until 31/08/22)
Rev. David Middleton (from 1/11/23)
Lay workers Mrs C.A. Hamer Mrs L.B. Reade *
Mrs I.J. Wakerell
Circuit Stewards Mr P.W. Hardy Mrs J. Harrison
Mr D.A. Hemingway Mrs J.D. Wood (until 31/12/22)
Dr P.C. Yates (until 19/03/24) Mr K.B. Day (from 5/12/23)
Circuit Meeting Secretary *Mrs L.B. Reade
Local Preachers Representatives Mr R.D. Johnson (from 12/09/22)
Mr I. Mason (from 12/09/22) Mrs J.M. Timmis
Circuit Representatives to District Mrs V.E. Bates Mr P.W. Hardy
Synod Mrs M.E. Hemingway Dr S. McCready-Shea
Church Representatives by Church
Barlaston Mrs K.A. Ford Mrs K. Bradburn (until 31/08/23)
Berkswich Mrs L.M. Westoby Mr T.A.S. Goodchild
Mr A. Lotinga (from 29/03/23)
Bishops Offley Mrs A. Hardy Mrs J. Palin
Eccleshall Mrs M. Embrey Mrs C.E. Harper
Mrs D.H. Kirkham
Gnosall Mr W.D. Basford Mr K.C. Davies
Mrs J. Jobling
Milwich Mrs E. Hodson (until 01/07/2023)
Mr R.W. Knight (until 01/07/2023)
Mr B. Barker (from 01/07/2023)
Mrs J. L. Barker (from 01/07/2023)
Rising Brook Mr I.F. Baldwin Mrs I.M. Cantrill (until 13/10/22)
Mrs S. Francis
St. John’s Stone Mrs A.E. Dair Mr A.J.A. Lockett (until 22/8/23)
Mr D.C. Stewart Mrs B. Godridge (from 01/09/23)
Trinity Stafford Miss L.H. Birch (until 31/12/22)
Miss W.E. Harris (until 31/12/22)
Mr T. Houghton (until 31/12/22)
Mr. A.J. Lowe
Weston Mrs B. Gillespie Mr. C. Gillespie

Page 2

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Report of the Trustees for the Year ended 31st August 2023

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] August 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statements of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives & Aims

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 the 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 aim to provide access to 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 focus on the on-going development of the Circuit; they are the place where important decisions are made and within them, we plan our strategies and fulfil our role as Charity Trustees.

Public Benefit

We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Report of the Trustees for the Year ended 31st August 2023

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable Activities

2022/2023 has seen a period of reflection as we have moved from pandemic to postpandemic practices. The ordained staff team remains the same numerically. However, the trust has expressed a desire for a new presbyter to come alongside the newly appointed Superintendent (lead) Presbyter. This means that our current second presbyter has been released back to the connexion for the 2023/2024 year and stationing practices have been undertaken to find a replacement. Within the standard practices of Methodist Stationing, the Circuit was unable to secure the ministry of a new presbyter; however, our New Superintendent, working with the District Chair of Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury district, alongside assistance from the connexional team, the willingness of a minister from the Baptist Union and agreement of the Baptist Union, have managed to secure 5 years of ministry from the Baptist Union from a Pastor, authorised to serve within the Stafford Circuit as a Presbyter from September 2023. While this will affect a staff change for us within next year's report, the administration and work to accomplish this must be seen as part of what the trust has achieved this year. Alongside the Circuit’s ordained staffing, the Circuit continues to employ a core team of lay staff across the Circuit, our administrator and pastoral workers meet with our presbyters regularly to ensure the ministry of the Circuit is effective.

Before the pandemic, both Rowley Street and Woodseaves Methodist Churches had decided to close. We have been pursuing the possibility of selling both buildings. In 2022/2023, we achieved good sale prices on both of these buildings, recognising that some of the capital from these sales might be utilised for the upkeep or ministry and for projects within the aims of our Circuit’s trust. Our thanks should be expressed to volunteers within the life of the trust who undertook much of the day-to-day aspects of the sales, working with solicitors approved by the wider Methodist Connexion and TMCP (the custodian trustees of these buildings). As the sales of these buildings did not include the purchase of capital like for like, a percentage of the overall sales was returned to the wider connexion for use in other projects within their sphere of influence.

This year has included grants for churches to be equipped to support online worship and the use of online materials within their fellowships, in the past twelve months the provision for face-to-face activity has greatly increased, back to levels close to that of pre-pandemic. 2022/2023 has seen us return, in the main, to weekly worship resourced within each of our churches. We continue to hold to the fact that Worship and Teaching are both necessary aspects of our life together as a charity, that through these, the wider aspects of our responsibilities and actions are honed and fashioned, these are often expressed through the nature of "Our Calling"

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. The return to using our buildings by various user groups has been slow, but has now begun to reach prepandemic use in some cases. 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.

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

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,

Page 5

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Report of the Trustees for the Year ended 31st August 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

Income

Circuit income was down by some 3.7% compared with 2022. Income is drawn primarily from the assessments paid by the Circuit member churches, and during the year these totalled £205,854 [allowing for a year end adjustment of £30,020] (2022: £213,628). This reduction in assessments had been agreed as part of the budget for the year, which considered the fall in church incomes.

During the year, the Circuit also received General income from office rentals and interest on investments totalling £24,509 (2022: £8,271). Within this total was a significant increase of some £9,408 interest earned on the capital released from the property sales of Rowley Street and Woodseaves church buildings, which is shown in the income for Designated funds in the accounts of £12,806 (2022: £8,079).

Expenditure

The day to day total expenditure for the year at £284,424 was some £15,432 or 5.8% higher than the prior year (2022: £268,992). Under General Funds there was a budgeted increase in Stipends & Salary costs of £8,789 (vs 2022: £139,564) due, primarily, to increases in remuneration to adjust for the cost-of-living post pandemic.

There were some large, extraordinary items of expense which appear under Designated funds that benefit from explanation:

There were small changes in the General cost areas under Expenditure on charitable activities, which include items such as District assessment, URC Mission & Ministry, Property & Office costs, Telephone & Travel expenses.

Net position and transfers.

Considering the expected realisation of income from sale of the property assets of Rowley St & Woodseaves and deciding to use some of these monies to maintain the level of Circuit Ministry, the Circuit Meeting approved a budget with a working deficit of £80,346 in the year ending August 2023 (2022: actual deficit £47,094).

In the event, the day to day working deficit was to £54,061, as shown in these accounts. However, the working budget did not allow for the £101,529 one-off Connexional Property Fund Levy on the sale proceeds from Rowley Street and Woodseaves. So, adjusting for this extraordinary cost , there was an overall deficit of £105,879, which was 32% higher than the budgeted deficit.

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Effect on Funds & Reserves

New Funds: Two new funds were agreed by Circuit Meeting in December 2022, namely the Donation to Churches Fund, with the initial value of £11,000 plus the £22,141 third grant instalment referred to above, and the Mission Fund with £10,000. Transfers have been made from the General Fund to start these.

Redundant Property Fund: The asset value of Rowley Street and Woodseaves were brought into the Circuit accounts in 2020-21 set at £325,000. The combined sales value achieved was £373,824, which equated to a £48,824 gain in the Redundant Property Fund, before the CPF Levy. Over the three years, there was a £9,911 income, mainly from rent but this was offset by some £30.916 of costs related to insurance, utilities, property surveys, maintenance and bank charges. The £101,529 CPF Levy referred to above, resulted in a net realised value to the Circuit of £251,290 which was £3,992 higher than the forecast made in preparing the 22-23 budget.

Property Refurbishment Fund: After being run down, this designated fund has been topped up with £15,000 from the General Fund after a gap of three years.

With all the above, as at 31[st] August 2023, Total funds reduced by £105,879 to £1,084, 733 (2022: £1,190,608). Of this:

The current 3-year budget, 21-25, involves an annual draw-down from TMCP of £90,000 to balance the budget, which means the general unrestricted funds could be regarded as being £94,632 (being the current asset unrestricted general funds plus this annual draw-down).

General Reserves Policy

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, this equates to between £65,000 and £85,000.

In addition, the Circuit Reserves Policy is to maintain accessible funds of between £50,000 and £75,000 to enable the Circuit to assist its churches with appropriate grants and loans.

With the above two provisions, the General Reserve Policy equates to a minimum of £115,000 and a maximum of £160,000.

The funds which form part of the General Reserves, with their respective balances, on 31[st] August ‘23 include: Unrestricted - General (current assets) £34,019, and Designated - Church Support Fund £11,000, Mission Support Fund £10,000, Property Refurbishment Fund £10,640, Superintendents Discretionary Fund £1000 and Circuit Youth Work Fund £770, which add to a total General Reserve of £67,430.

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

The General Reserves were therefore below the minimum of this scale at the year end, necessitating the budgeted £90,000 draw-down from TMCP Circuit Model Trust Fund to bring the Reserve back up to £157,430

Principal Funds

In addition to the Unrestricted General Fund, into and from which most of the financial transactions of the Circuit are made, the Circuit Meeting have determined certain designated and restricted funds for specific purposes.

Circuit Model Trust Fund (Designated)

Held and invested by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) and consists of income from churches. They have wide purposes, as defined by TMCP, and permission must be sought by the Circuit Meeting from TMCP to call upon money for specific building projects or to support the mission in general.

Redundant Property Fund (Designated)

This fund was set up for the purposes of tracking the income & expenditure related to the management and eventual sale of two church properties, namely Rowley St and Woodseaves Chapel. These projects are now complete, and the net assets from the sale are transferred to TMCP Circuit Model Trust Fund.

St. John’s Mission & Development Fund (Designated)

This fund, set up with the Methodist share of the proceeds from the sale of 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 monies will be used, both for an approved purpose and within a reasonable timescale.

Property Refurbishment Fund (Designated)

Manse refurbishments are carried out at irregular intervals, usually to coincide with the change in Ministers and can, therefore, fluctuate considerably from year to year. Whilst this fund has been part of the Circuit fund portfolio for several years, but had not received transfers in for two years, so it was largely used up with refurbishment prior to the arrival of the current Superintendent in 21-22. As the intention is that the fund will receive between £5000 and 8000 per year from general funds, the decision was made to recover the previous three year’s transfers (£15,000) before the year end, some £4,807 of this was used in 22-23 thereby leaving a closing balance of £10,640.

Mission Support Fund (Designated)

One of the new funds set up from general funds during the year, is for the purpose of enabling and supporting mission initiatives within the Circuit. The aim is to set a principal that such mission projects already have money put aside within the Circuit budget (originally set at a level of £10,000), and proposals will be received for approval by representatives of the Trustees. This fund has provided a grant of £3,000 to one church in 22-23, and the fund has been restored to £10,000 in preparation for 23-24.

Church Support Fund

Introduced alongside the Mission Support Fund, the Church Support Fund is designed to be the vehicle by which the Circuit can respond to a need for financial support that is raised by any church when it is unable to meet these through its own resources. Such a request for a grant or loan may be made to meet challenges in cash flow, unexpected expenditure or

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

indeed, to allow the church time to respond to a significant risk to its sustainability. Whilst the fund was not in place to make the first & second grants in response to the pandemic, the fund has been used as the vehicle to make the final grant of £22,176 and this has been replaced and made up to an opening balance of £11,000 for 23-24.

Other Funds

Circuit Youth Work Fund (Designated)

To support Youth Work in the Circuit – has not been accessed in 22-23.

Superintendents Discretionary Fund (Designated)

The fund is for spend in cases of local individual need at the discretion of the Superintendent. The fund has been used for a £200 donation and the annual opening balance is designed at and restored to £1,000 for 23-24 by transfer from general fund.

Childrens Worker Fund (Restricted)

This fund, originally set up by a donation, closed in the year to 2021 as the Childrens Worker was made redundant during the pandemic. The fund was potentially to be restored this year to provide for the payroll services of a Schools Worker, however, this project has now ceased, so the intention is for these remaining monies to be transferred to Berkswich Church.

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Report of the Trustees for the Year ended 31st August 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

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).

Induction and training of new trustees

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

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).

Related Parties

The Circuit is part of the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference.

The following Methodist Churches/LEPs are linked to the circuit: Barlaston, Berkswich, Bishops Offley, Eccleshall, Gnosall, Milwich (LEP), Rising Brook, St. John’s-Stone (LEP), Trinity (LEP), Weston.

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. Amongst other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles:

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

The Stafford Methodist Circuit commits itself to ensuring 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.

REPORT APPROVAL

Approved by order of the Board of Trustees on May 1[st] 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

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……………………………………….

Rev. D.J. Bintliff - Trustee

Page 11

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of the Stafford Methodist Circuit - Charity number 135822 ( “the Circuit”)

I report to the Circuit trustees on my examination of the accounts for the Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2023 which are set out on pages 13 to 27.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the Circuit, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Circuit’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011Act.

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 that in, any material respect:

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

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Stephen Hendy Data Developments (UK) Limited 1[st] Floor The Chubb Buildings Fryer Street Wolverhampton West Midlands WV1 1HT

Date: 26[th] June 2024

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year ended 31[st] August 2023

Income and Endowments from :
Income from charitable activities
Church Assessments
Office income
Investments
Rental income
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Stipends, salaries, NI and Pensions
District Assessment
URC Mission & Ministry
Property
Office expenses
Telephone & Travel Expenses
Apprenticeship levy
Mission & Ministry expenses
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Net ( expenditure) resources before transfer
Transfers:
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains and losses:
Gains /losses on investment assets
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
£
205,854
205,854
213,628
783
783
997
1,720
8,678
10,398
990
1,776
480
2,256
3,931
460
3,648
6,964
11,072
2,352
210,593
12,806
6,964
230,363
221,898
148,353
6,964
155,317
141,996
38,741
3,976
42,717
38,873
9,424
9,424
9,876
18,674
6,062
24,736
33,369
6,255
377
36
6,668
7,947
10,198
10,198
9,576
657
657
570
476
476
573
4,048
30,183
34,231
26,212
236,826
40,598
7,000
284,424
268,992
(26,233)
(27,792)
(36)
(54,061)
(47,094)
69,846
69,846
6,327
(61,694)
(8,152)
(69,846)
(6,327)
(51,818)
(51,818)
0
(87,927)
(17,916)
(36)
(105,879)
(47,094)
721,946
466,414
2,252
1,190,612
1,237,706
634,019
448,498
2,216
1,084,733
1,190,612

Page 13

STAFFORD m￿HoDIST CIRCUIT Sola Sep•rite Deslina*ed-FuThds Brou￿1 Forward vs Funds C•rrled Forward Brouyht Forward Fund3 Carrled FoTré4rd Page 14

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Balance Sheet as of 31[st] August 2023

Fixed assets
1490: Residential land
1491: Manses
1492: Other Buildings
Total Fixed Assets
Current Assets
1501: CAF Bank
1502: Central Finance Board
1503:TMCP:Circuit Model Trust
1504:CFBSt John's M&D Fund
1505: HSBC Community Account
1506:HSBC Business Money
Manager
1509: Lloyds
Z06: Prepayments
Total Current Assets
Liabilities
Z04: Accounts Payable
Z07: Accounts examination
Z08: Assessments in advance
Total Liabilities
Net Assets
Represented by:
General ( Unrestricted) Fund
Designated Funds
Restricted Funds
Total Funds		 Restated
2023
2022
£
£
150,000
150,000
175,000
175,000
275,000
600,000
600,000
925,000
15,031
45,990
60,119
59,845
403,721
129,524
32,691
31,594
25,634
141
832
4,871
7,894
516,433
301,454
(200)
(1,680)
(2,400)
(30,020)
(33,242)
(31,700)
(35,842)
1,084,733 1,190,612
634,019
721,946
448,498
466,414
2,216
2,252
1,084,733 1,190,612

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

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Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31[st] August 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial information presented 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.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements.

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.

Income

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.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of obligation can be

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants 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.

Tangible fixed assets

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

Redundant Churches as Investment Properties

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. Any expenditure on such assets, if held for reinvestment of the proceeds, as the trustees determine, that is likely 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.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity’s pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

The Circuit is a member of the Connexional pension scheme (MMPS) which covers presbyters and deacons of the Methodist Church. The contribution rates are set each year by the Methodist Conference. The MMPS is a multi-employer scheme and in accordance with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission, the Circuit employees enrolled in a

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

defined contribution pension scheme administered by The Pension Trust. Employer contributions are made into this scheme on behalf of employees who are members.

  1. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Income and Endowments from :
Income from charitable activities
1301- Assessments
1309- Administration
Income from charitable activities Total
Investments
1308-Rent
1309-Interest & Investment
Investment Totals
Other income
1306-Other income
1312-Leaving Gifts
Other income Totals
Income and Endowments Total		 2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
£
205,854
205,854
213,628
783
783
997
206,637
0
0
206,637
214,625
1,776
480
2,256
3,931
1,720
8,678
10,398
990
3,496
9,158
0
12,654
4,921
(407)
3,648
6,964
10,205
1,202
867
867
1,150
460
3,648
6,964
11,072
2,352
210,593
12,806
6,964
230,363
221,898

Income codes are consistent with the previous year:

Page 18

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

3. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Expenditure on:
1401- Methodist Stipends
1403-District Levy
1404-District Assessment
1402-URC Mission & Ministry
1412- Insurance
1413-Utilities
1414-Maintenance (Office)
1416-Property Management
1418-Property Surveys
1428 Maintenance (manses)
1405-Administration
1423-Bank Charges
1406-Telephone & Broadband
1407-Travel Expenses
1424-Apprenticeship Levy
1409-Youth Work
1410-Pastoral Work
1420-Training & Recruitment
1425-Accountancy
Expenditure on charitable activities Total		 2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
£
148,353
6,964
155,317
141,996
3,976
3,976
38,741
38,741
38,873
9,424
9,424
9,876
1,946
1,709
3,655
3,823
8,342
3,436
11,778
15,366
4,757
917
5,674
7,421
72
72
123
1,062
1,062
6,636
2,495
2,495
3,989
8
36
4,033
7,767
586
369
955
180
3,398
3,398
3,879
6,800
6,800
5,697
657
657
570
0
212
243
243
124
233
233
237
1,680
1,680
232,778
10,415
7,000
250,193
242,780

Page 19

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

4. TRUSTEES’ RENUMERATION AND BENEFITS

Certain trustees are renumerated as employees of the Circuit. All payments to trustees are at normal market rates and are subject to review by independent members of the trustee body. Total renumeration paid to these trustees in their lay employment was £62,830 (2022: £56,875)

No expenses were paid to trustees in their capacity as trustees for the year ended 31 August 2023 (2022: £nil).

Trustee indemnity insurance was taken out for the year as part of the Circuit general insurance policy (premium costs for indemnity insurance are not identified within this general insurance policy).

5. STAFF COSTS

Lay Employee Costs (excluding Presbyters)
Wages and Salaries
National Insurance
Pension Costs		 2023
2022
£
£
71,795
59,262
4,475
3,529
2,193
2,099
78,463
64,890

The average monthly number of lay employees during the year was 5 ( 2022: 5).No lay employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

The Presbyters stipends are not included within the Circuit's staff costs, as they are not employees of the Circuit. The Circuit is merely responsible for the central administration and payment of the stipends on behalf of the churches. However, the Circuit paid on average 2 ( 2022: 2) presbyters as office holders and the costs were as follows:

Stipends & Allowances
National Insurance
Pension		 2023
2022
£
£
56,901
54,766
5,466
5,278
14,487
13,943
76,854
73,986

Page 20

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

The Presbyters of the Circuit are also provided with the use of a manse rent free and council tax and water rates in furtherance of their duties.

Key Management Personnel are considered to be the Superintendent of the Circuit, the other Presbyter and the remaining members of the Circuit Leadership Team (CLT). The Superintendent chairs meetings of the CLT and Circuit Meetings.

The Remuneration and pensions for these people amounted to £139,684 (2022: £130,861).

  1. FUNDS & MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Unrestricted:
General
Designated:
Church Support Fund
Circuit Youth Work Fund
CMT - Circuit Model Trust Fund
Mission Support Fund
Circuit Model Trust Fund
Superintendent's Discretionary Fund
Property Refurbishment Fund
St John's Mission & Development Fund
Redundant Property Fund
Total Designated
Restricted:
Berkswich Children's Worker Fund
Total Funds		 1.9.2022
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Gains &
Losses
31.8.2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
721,946
210,593
(236,826)
(61,694)
0
634,019
0
(22,176)
33,176
11,000
770
770
(3,947)
7,580
(4,345)
712
0
0
(3,000)
13,000
10,000
133,470
(2,932)
130,538
682
(200)
518
1,000
447
(4,807)
15,000
10,640
31,594
1,098
32,692
303,398
4,128
(6,070)
2,220
(51,818)
251,858
466,414
12,806
(40,598)
61,694
(51,818)
448,498
2,252
6,964
(7,000)
0
0
2,216
1,190,612
230,363
(284,424)
0
(51,818)
1,084,733

Page 21

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Unrestricted:
General
Designated:
Church Support Fund
Circuit Youth Work Fund
CMT - Circuit Model Trust Fund
Mission Support Fund
Circuit Model Trust Fund
Superintendent's Discretionary Fund
Property Refurbishment Fund
St John's Mission & Development Fund
Redundant Property Fund
Total Designated
Restricted:
Berkswich Children's Worker Fund
Total Funds		 1.9.2021
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Gains &
Losses
31.8.2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
734,616
219,360
(232,030)
0
721,946
0
0
982
(212)
770
0
607
(4,554)
(3,947)
0
0
133,470
133,470
742
(60)
682
15,000
761
(15,314)
447
31,462
132
31,594
316,650
1,038
(14,290)
303,398
498,306
2,538
(34,430)
0
0
466,414
4,784
(2,532)
0
0
2,252
1,237,706
221,898
(268,992)
0
0
1,190,612

Principal Funds

In addition to the Unrestricted General Fund, into and from which most of the financial transactions of the Circuit are made, the Circuit Meeting have determined certain designated and restricted funds for specific purposes.

Circuit Model Trust Fund (Designated)

Held and invested by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) and consists of income from churches. They have wide purposes, as defined by TMCP, and permission must be sought by the Circuit Meeting from TMCP to call upon money for specific building projects or to support the mission in general. Circuit Model Trust & Circuit Model Trust Fund – these two funds were consolidated in 22-23. They are managed by TMCP and contain net revenue from the sale of properties and the interest earned from the capital. The District Levy is made from this fund on the interest.

Redundant Property Fund (Designated)

This fund was set up for the purposes of tracking the income & expenditure related to the management and eventual sale of two church properties, namely Rowley St and Woodseaves Chapel. These projects are now complete, and the net assets from the sale are transferred to TMCP Circuit Model Trust Fund.

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STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

St. John’s Mission & Development Fund (Designated)

This fund, set up with the Methodist share of the proceeds from the sale of 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 monies will be used, both for an approved purpose and within a reasonable timescale.

Property Refurbishment Fund (Designated)

Manse refurbishments are carried out at irregular intervals, usually to coincide with the change in Ministers and can, therefore, fluctuate considerably from year to year. Whilst this fund has been part of the Circuit fund portfolio for several years, but had not received transfers in for two years, so it was largely used up with refurbishment prior to the arrival of the current Superintendent in 21-22. As the intention is that the fund will receive between £58000 per year from general funds, the decision was made to recover the lost three year’s transfers (£15,000) before the year end, some £4,807 of this was used in 22-23 thereby leaving a closing balance of £10,640.

Mission Support Fund (Designated)

One of the new funds set up from general funds during the year, is for the purpose of enabling and supporting mission initiatives within the Circuit. The aim is to set a principal that such mission projects already have money put aside within the Circuit budget (originally set at a level of £10,000), and proposals will be received for approval by representatives of the Trustees. This fund has provided a grant of £3000 to one church in 22-23, and the fund has been restored to £10,000 in preparation for 23-24.

Church Support Fund

Introduced alongside the Mission Support Fund, the Church Support Fund is designed to be the vehicle by which the Circuit can respond to a need for financial support that is raised by any church when it is unable to meet these through its own resources. Such a request for a grant or loan may be made to meet challenges in cash flow, unexpected expenditure or indeed, to allow the church time to respond to a significant risk to its sustainability. Whilst the fund was not in place to make the first & second grants in response to the pandemic, the fund has been used as the vehicle to make the final grant of £22,176 and this has been replaced and made up to an opening balance of £11,000 for 23-24.

Circuit Youth Work Fund (Designated)

To support Youth Work in the Circuit – has not been accessed in 22-23.

Superintendents Discretionary Fund (Designated)

The fund is for spend in cases of local individual need at the discretion of the Superintendent. The fund has been used for a £200 donation and the annual opening balance is designed at and restored (by transfer from general fund) to £1,000 for 23-24,

Children’s Worker Fund (Restricted)

This fund, originally set up by a donation, closed in the year to 2021 as the Children’s Worker was made redundant during the pandemic. The fund was potentially to be restored this year to provide for the payroll services of a Schools’ Worker, however, this project has now ceased, so the intention is for these remaining monies to be transferred to Berkswich Church.

Page 23

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Deemed Cost and carrying value
As at 1.9.2022
Transfer to investment properties
As at 31.8.2023
Analysed by Funds as follows:
Unrestricted
Designated
Total		 Land
Manses
Other
buildings
Total
£
£
£
£
150,000
175,000
600,000
925,000
(325,000)
(325,000)
150,000
175,000
275,000
600,000
Land
Manses
Other
buildings
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
150,000
175,000
275,000
600,000
600,000
0
0
325,000
150,000
175,000
275,000
600,000
925,000

The properties include the Manse at Widecombe Avenue, Berkswich, Manse at The Flashes Gnosnall and Office at Asbury House, Rising Brook, Stafford

8. REDUNDANT CHURCHES INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Designated Fund:
As at 1.9.2022
Transfer from Fixed Assets
Disposal
As at 31.8.2023		 Redundant
Churches
£
0
325,000
(325,000)
0

The Redundant Churches being Rowley Street Church and Woodseaves Chapel were sold during the year. They achieved a value of £373,824 – resulting in a £48,824 gain before CPF levy costs paid of £101,529. The net value has been transferred to TMCP Circuit Model Trust bank account.

9. CASH IN BANK AND IN HAND

1501: CAF Bank
1502: Central Finance Board
1503:TMCP:Circuit Model Trust
1504:CFBSt John's M&D Fund
1505: HSBC Community Account
1506:HSBC Business Money Manager
1509: Lloyds
Total Cash at Bank		 Restated
2023
2022
£
£
15,031
45,990
60,119
59,845
403,721
129,524
32,691
31,594
25,634
141
832
511,562
293,560

Page 24

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Debtors:
Z06:Prepayments
Creditors falling due within 1 Year
Z04: Accounts Payable
Z07: Accounts examination
Z08: Assessments in advance		 Restated
2023
2022
£
£
4,871
**7,894 **
(200)
(1,680)
(2,400)
(30,020)
(33,242)
(31,700)
(35,842)

In the reported accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022, there was a mis-analysis between the cash balances and creditors within 1 year of £19,500. The cash balances as at 31 August 2022 were £293,560 not the reported £313,058 and there was not a bank overdraft of £19,500 in place. The year ended 31 August 2022 comparatives have been restated for this correction. The effected note numbers are Note 9 ( Cash), Note 10 ( Debtors and Creditors) and Note 13 ( Net Assets by Fund).

Page 25

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

  1. COMPARATIVES FOR PREVIOUS YEAR 1[ST] SEPTEMBER ’21 TO 31[ST] AUGUST ‘22

==> picture [452 x 413] intentionally omitted <==

13. NET ASSETS

The net assets of the Circuit may be analysed as follows:

Fixed assets
Debtors
Cash at bank
Creditors
Creditors -Assessments in advance
Total Net Assets		 2023
2023
2023
2023
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
600,000
600,000
4,871
4,871
60,848
448,498
2,216
511,562
(1,680)
(1,680)
(30,020)
(30,020)
634,019
448,498
2,216
1,084,733

Page 26

STAFFORD METHODIST CIRCUIT

Fixed assets
Debtors
Cash at bank
Creditors
Creditors -Assessments in advance
Total Net Assets		 Restated
Restated
2022
2022
2022
2022
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
600,000
325,000
925,000
7,894
7,894
149,894
141,414
2,252
293,560
(2,600)
(2,600)
(33,242)
(33,242)
721,946
466,414
2,252
1,190,612

14.OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENT

As at 31 August 2023, the Circuit was committed to making the following payments under non-cancellable operating leases:

Operating Leases which expire:
Within 1 year
Within 1-2 years
Within 2-5 years
More than 5 years
Total		 2023
2022
£
£
648
590
590
648

This relates to the Circuit office photocopier.

15. RELATED PARTIES

Transactions between the Circuit and its member churches

The Circuit received assessments of £ 205,854 (2022: £213,628) from the churches within the circuit.

The Circuit provided grants to churches in the circuit amounting to £1,690 (2022: £nil) in support of technology improvements and £21,866 (2022: £nil) to support churches with the impact of reduced lettings and offertory due to the pandemic.

Transactions between the Circuit and the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District & Connexion

The Circuit paid the District £ 38,741 (2022:£38,873) in district assessments. They also paid them £101,529 (2022: nil) by way of levies on the net sale of properties and on the balance of monies held in the Circuit Model Trust Fund at the start of the financial year.

The Connexional assessment is collected by the District as part of the above District Assessment and in 2023 this was £35,131.

Page 27