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2021-08-31-accounts

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1137263

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

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STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1137263

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

C O N T E N T S

Pages
Trustees’ Report 1 to 6
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8 to 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11 to 16

Page 1

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

BASIS OF PREPARATION AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair’ view. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Full Name of Charity: Stockton Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number: 1137263 Date of Registration: 4 August 2010 Main Communication Address: 4 Fritillary Place Stockton-on-Tees TS21 3LZ

The members of the Stockton 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 at Appendix A of this report.

CIRCUIT MINISTERS AND OFFICERS

Active Circuit Minsters Rev. Vincent Jambawo – appointed September 2021 Rev. Peter Catford – retired August 2021 Rev. Suva Catford – retired August 2021 Rev. Sarah Ramsden Rev. Martin Ramsden Rev. Rachel Williams – appointed September 2021 Circuit Stewards: Mrs. Liz Mason – retired August 2021 Dr. Peter Dodd Dr. Roger Taylor – retired January 2022 Mr. John Moore Mrs. Margaret Walton (property) Mrs. Jean Jones Mr. Mark Hall – appointed October 2021 Administrator: Ms. J. Prior

Mr. J.G. Moore acted as the principal officer overseeing the day-to-day financial management and accounting for the Circuit during the year.

Independent Examiner: D.F. Adams FCA Baines Jewitt Limited Barrington House 41-45 Yarm Lane Stockton-on-Tees TS18 3EA Investment Bankers: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

Page 2

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

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:

The charity’s objective is to act as a Resource provider within the area around Stockton-on-Tees for the Methodist Church. To do this we will engage with the community, share with one another and share Jesus Christ. Our activities include:

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

See note 17 to the accounts.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

Circuit Mission Statement

ENGAGE WITH COMMUNITY [Local and global]

CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

SHARE JESUS CHRIST

1 Peter 3;15 Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you. (Good News Bible).

Page 3

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - Continued

Significant Developments during the Year

Over this year, the Circuit has been seeking to support churches as they work out how to be church in a season when traditional ways of working have not been possible.

We have maintained contact with the Methodists who have joined the Anglican church at St Paul’s in Newtown. They have completed their refurbishment and the new priest was inaugurated on 25 July with one of the new church wardens being a former Methodist member. The Circuit has continued to be involved with the Methodist members hosting conversations when restrictions allowed. These conversations have provided a safe space to talk and have played a part in enabling the project to reach this stage of development.

The staff team has deepened its relationship and supported one another as we have tried to understand how to exercise ministry during the pandemic.

Along with the churches we continue to struggle to find volunteers to fill roles at a Circuit level and to keep these covered. This is causing a rethink in the way the Circuit is structured and we await to see what changes will be prompted in the coming months.

Achievements during the Year

Having come to the end of their five-year appointments, the husband and wife presbyter team decided to move on. Consequently, working through the Methodist Church stationing process, two new presbyters (one of them to be Superintendent Minister) have been appointed to the Circuit and will be joining us in September 2021.

The two new presbyters are not related to each other, so it has been necessary to provide an extra manse. The existing spare manse in Ingleby Barwick needed significant renovation and was located several miles distant from any of the Circuit’s churches. This manse was sold and the proceeds, together with some additional funding, used to buy a new manse in the Hartburn area of West Stockton. Some further expenditure was required to bring the electrical wiring and heating system up to the appropriate standard. The new manse is located in the vicinity of the four churches with which the occupying presbyter is most involved.

A number of the Circuit churches have found the year to 31 August 2021 to present financial challenges, with loss of fundraising opportunities, reductions in lettings income and also in some voluntary offerings. As a Circuit, we have been aware of these issues and have supported the churches by offering a dispensation that they need not pay the fourth instalment of the assessment. Six of the ten churches chose to accept this offer. This resulted in a loss of Circuit income of £24,300 and this shortfall was covered from the reserves.

The celebrations of special services of baptism and weddings have recently been restarted. Our focus during the pandemic has been to support those who are grieving by providing a safe venue for funerals to take place in accordance with Government guidelines.

There has been work across the Circuit in partnership with local schools and this has continued during the pandemic using Zoom and recording material to be used for assemblies.

Work in the community has developed at St Andrew’s. The Foodbank has continued to seek to serve the community in the pandemic. Local support groups have not met but have been supported by the Community Worker.

The Circuit has been supportive of an initiative at North Billingham in using a bequest to fund their “Grow our Church” project which involves renewal of outside areas and looking to appropriate community involvement in a garden project as restrictions are lifted.

Page 4

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Achievements during the Year – Continued

In Port Clarence the Circuit continues to support the work of BELP (Billingham Environmental Link Programme) by providing a chaplain on the allotment on a monthly basis. The Circuit is investigating if it can place a chaplain more regularly on the allotment and this will be brought to the attention of the Circuit meeting in the coming months.

The Yarm Road church has continued to develop support of the Asylum Seeker project as they seek to find ways to support people safely as restrictions are lifted. This is being achieved with the aid of a grant from the Darlington District.

Greens Lane has developed outreach into the community and amongst those who have been isolating through knitted installations for Remembrance, Christmas, Lent, Easter and most recently for Creation. It has brought joy and comfort to those who have passed by and purpose to our knitters.

Worship takes place across the Circuit and we have continued to seek to find ways to encourage variety. This year saw the continued developing of Circuit online services and studies and the support of churches as they manage the gradual unlocking as the pandemic continues.

We continue to implement Methodist Safeguarding policy with a new Circuit Safeguarding Officer. He has begun work on ensuring that the Circuit and churches are supported and accountable in adhering to their safeguarding policy. This is being achieved on a one-to-one level with three churches each year and with regular get-togethers of church officers. This, along with training and improved record keeping, is part of the Circuit’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people of all ages.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Income Trends

Circuit income is primarily drawn from the assessment paid by the Circuit churches. The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have meant that 2020/2021 was a lean year financially for many of the churches. Being mindful of this, the Circuit offered a dispensation that they need not pay the fourth instalment of the assessment and six of the ten churches close to take advantage of this. As a consequence, Circuit income was reduced by £24,300. However, assessments have been agreed with all the churches for 2021/2022 that overall will provide 98% of the pre-pandemic level and it is anticipated all will be able to meet this commitment.

Longer term, the Circuit will endeavour to maintain assessment income at this level. However, it is recognised that with an ageing demographic, there will probably be further reductions in church membership and with a number of ageing buildings to maintain, church finances are likely to come under increasing pressure. Not all of the churches may be able to continue indefinitely. In such circumstances, a significant increase in income from church assessments cannot reasonably be expected.

Expenditure Trends

Stipend expenditure has increased by 2.6% in line with conference approved increases but the assessment paid to the District and Connexion in the year to 31 August 2021 was reduced by 2% from the previous year. This year has also seen £166,000 of the Circuit’s cash reserves spent on the purchase of a new manse and subsequent maintenance work to bring it up to standard. However, this was in nature a one-off event and not anticipated to be repeated in future years.

Stipends and associated expenditure and the assessment paid to the District and Connexion make up 75% of Circuit expenditure. In 2021/2022 stipends will increase by 1.16% and from April there will also be the 1.25% rise in employer’s national insurance contributions. However, the District/Connexional assessment will reduce by 10.75%. In addition, having used most of the funds in its TMCP account to buy the new manse, the Circuit will benefit by a reduction in the District levy on these funds of almost £7,000.

Page 5

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

FINANCIAL REVIEW – Continued

Looking further ahead, although in 2022/2023 the District/Connexional assessment is proposed to reduce by a further 5%, stipend expenditure is anticipated to increase by nearly 4.3% and it seems likely general UK inflation will also be at this level. As annual Circuit income is not envisaged to increase in the next few years, if this level of inflation were to continue, it would become an issue of some concern.

Fund Balances

As at 31 August 2021, the net current assets of the Circuit were £256,000 giving approximately 13 months cover for unrestricted expenditure. This is a significant reduction compared to the previous year, largely due to the purchase of the new manse.

Plans for 2020/2021

Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there will be three full-time ordained staff and one part-time lay staff with a 1.16% cost of living stipend increase and taking into account the 1.25% increase in employer’s national insurance contributions from April. The assessment paid to the District and Connexion will be reduced by 10.75%. As described above, the assessment income from the churches has been agreed at 98% of the pre-pandemic level. With foreseeable outgoings, income and expenditure is anticipated to be in balance.

RESERVES POLICY

General

It is the trustees’ policy to maintain a balance of unrestricted funds equivalent to six months unrestricted expenditure. However, as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, the current financial climate remains uncertain and it is not clear how well and how quickly church finances will recover. In these circumstances, it is seen as not unreasonable if reserves are above this level until there is more clarity about the future situation.

The Circuit has agreed to take on two new presbyters from September 2021 and their appointments will have five years to run. In addition, the Circuit has a third presbyter whose appointment still has at least three years to run. It is essential for the Circuit to maintain sufficient income/reserves to ensure the associated financial commitments can be met.

The Circuit also endeavours to hold funds to meet a mission challenge in the Stockton area.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The major risks associated with the Circuit have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Leadership Team (CLT) with professional advice taken as required. There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded. Income and expenditure are being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves.

SAFEGUARDING

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s recreation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles:

Page 6

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

SAFEGUARDING - Continued

The Stockton Methodist Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of the Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the Circuit and in the churches.

The Stockton 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.

APPROVAL

This report has been approved by Managing Trustees and will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval at the 21 March 2022 Circuit Meeting.

Approved on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees on 21 March 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

REV. VINCENT JAMBAWO

……………………………………………….

Superintendent Minister

Appendix A

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP

Superintendent Rev. Peter Catford – retired August 2021
Rev. Vincent Jambawo – appointed September 2021
Ministers Rev. Suva Catford – retired August 2021
Rev. Sarah Ramsden
Rev. Martin Ramsden
Rev. Rachel Williams – appointed September 2021
Circuit Stewards Mrs. Liz Mason – retired August 2021
Dr. Peter Dodd
Dr. Roger Taylor – retired January 2022
Mrs. Margaret Walton (property)
Mrs. Jean Jones
Mr. Mark Hall - appointed October 2021
Circuit Treasurer Mr. John Moore
Supernumerary Minister Rev. Richard Bielby – retired March 2020
Rev. John Howard-Norman – appointed September 2021
Secretary of the Circuit Meeting Ms. J Prior (non-voting) – appointed June 2021
Secretary of Local Preachers’ Meeting Dr. Peter Dodd – appointed June 2021
Local Preacher Representative Mrs. Sheila Hargreaves
Additional Members appointed by Mr. Ian Fyfe – became a Yarm representative September 2021
the Circuit Meeting Mr. Mike Leason – died December 2020
Mr. John Monkhouse
Mr. David Parkin
Mrs. Delysia Parkin
Mrs. Valerie Wootton
Lay Property Secretary Mr. Vic Bowmer
Lay Mission Support Group Secretary Mrs. Kathleen Mee
Lay Youth Forum Secretary Mrs. Margaret Murray
MWiB Representative Miss Margaret Rose – retired August 2021
Position currently vacant
Methodist Homes Representative Position currently vacant
Safeguarding Dr. Roger Taylor – appointed October 2020, retired January 2022
Ms. Aneta Bradley – appointed February 2022

Appendix A

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

MEETING – SEPTEMBER 2020

From each Church: Steward, Treasurer and Elected Representatives:
Carlton: Joan Burn, Charlton Peters,Margaret Hall– appointed September 2021
Greens Lane: Caroline Noble, David Smart, Judy Morrison,Jim Bruce(died December 2020)
Margaret Schofield
Maltby: Joan Tarren, Stephen Smith, Ken Davison
North Billingham: Rhona Ball, Cynthia Dent, Jackie Pitt, Maureen Gowland
Norton: Guan Lim and Kay Dodsworth – retired August 2021
Howard Gill, Judith Lloyd
Catherine Bemrose– appointed September 2021
Aneta Bradley– appointed November 2021
St. Andrew’s: Doreen Sharp, Gill Carr, Marjorie Dunn
Thornaby: Judith Powell, Ken Davison, Edith Appleby, Eileen Middleton
Trinity Eaglescliffe: Robert Woodman, Ralph Barton
Yarm: Joan Rivers– retired August 2021;Abigail Beer– appointed December 2021
Brian Bainbridge,Mark Hall– became Circuit Steward October 2021
Chris Kendrew, Graham Clarke, Roz Matthews
Ian Fyfe– was an additional member until September 2021
Yarm Road: Alison Tonkinson, Jim Dale, Edwin Doidge

Page 7

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2021 which are set out on pages 8 to 16.

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 as carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 accounting requirements concerning the form and content of the 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.

D.F. Adams, FCA Baines Jewitt Limited Barrington House 41-45 Yarm Lane STOCKTON ON TEES TS18 3EA

4 April 2022

DFA/GW

Page 8

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (SOFA) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Circuit Model
General Fund Trust Restricted Total Total
Notes (Unrestricted) (Unrestricted) Funds 2020-2021 2019-2020
£ £ £ £ £
Income
Income from monetary
investments 4 339 794 - 1,133 3,509
Income from investment
properties 5 - - 5,457 5,457 5,238
Assessments on churches 187,805 - - 187,805 209,700
Grants received - - 4,000 4,000 17,100
Other income 6 7,270 23,403 - 30,673 13,662
__ _ ______ __ __
Total Income 195,414 24,197 9,457 229,068 249,209
----------- ---------- -------- ----------- -----------
Expenditure
Grants and donations 7 200 - - 200
Salaries and associated 6,242
costs 8 129,101 410 - 129,511 143,306
Property maintenance 9 35,822 - 1,048 36,870 29,696
Connexional assessment
and model trust levy - - - - -
District assessment and levy 10 57,736 7,756 - 65,492 67,493
Office expenses 2,049 - - 2,049 3,499
Other outgoings 2,100 - 2,281 4,381 1,996
__ ______ ______ __ __
Total Charitable Expenditure 227,008 8,166 3,329 238,503 252,232
----------- -------- -------- ----------- -----------
Net Income/(Expenditure) (31,594) 16,031 6,128 (9,435) (3,023)
Transfers between funds 16 192,887 (188,478) (4,409) - -
__ ___ ______ ______ ______
Net Movement in Funds 161,293 (172,447) 1,719 (9,435) (3,023)
Total funds brought forward 1,190,420 205,115 90,000 1,485,535 1,488,558
____ __ _ ____ ____
Total Funds Carried Forward 16 1,351,713 32,668 91,719 1,476,100 1,485,535
======== ====== ===== ======== ========

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these accounts

Page 9

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (SOFA) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

Circuit Model
General Fund Trust Restricted Total Total
Notes (Unrestricted) (Unrestricted) Funds 2019-2020 2018-2019
£ £ £ £ £
Income
Donations and legacies - - - - 16,791
Income from monetary
investments 4 1,702 1,807 - 3,509 3,797
Income from investment
properties 5 - - 5,238 5,238 5,313
Assessments on churches 209,700 - - 209,700 213,825
Capital receipts - - - - 130,159
Grants received - - 17,100 17,100 15,600
Other income 6 13,662 - - 13,662 76,893
__ ______ _ __ __
Total Income 225,064 1,807 22,338 249,209 462,378
----------- -------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Expenditure
Grants and donations 7 6,242 - - 6,242 11,053
Salaries and associated costs 8 125,763 443 17,100 143,306 149,092
Property maintenance 9 19,519 9,213 964 29,696 22,923
Connexional assessment and
model trust levy - - - - 32,064
District assessment and levy 10 58,916 8,577 - 67,493 65,383
Office expenses 3,499 - - 3,499 5,180
Other outgoings 1,996 - - 1,996 2,000
__ _ _ __ __
Total Charitable Expenditure 215,935 18,233 18,064 252,232 287,695
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Net Income/(Expenditure) 9,129 (16,426) 4,274 (3,023) 174,683
Transfers between funds 16 4,274 - 4,274 - -
______ ______ ______ ______ __
Net Movement in Funds 13,403 (16,426) - (3,023) 174,683
Total funds brought forward 1,177,017 221,541 90,000 1,488,558 1,313,875
____ __ _ ____ ____
Total Funds Carried Forward 16 1,190,420 205,115 90,000 1,485,535 1,488,558
======== ====== ===== ======= ========

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these accounts

Page 10

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2021

Circuit Model
General Fund Trust Restricted Totals Totals
Notes (Unrestricted) (Unrestricted) Funds 2021 2020
£ £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Circuit Manses and equipment 12 1,127,261 - - 1,127,261 949,942
Investment properties 12 - - 90,000 90,000 90,000
____ ___ _ ____ ___
Total Fixed Assets 1,127,261 - - 1,217,261 1,039,942
-------------- ---- --------- ======== =======
Current Assets
Debtors 13 10,223 - - 10,223 8,917
Investments with TMCP 14 - 32,668 - 32,668 205,115
Central Finance Board deposits 234,803 - 1,719 236,522 264,219
Cash at bank and in hand 33,310 - - 33,310 22,114
__ _ ______ __ __
Total Current Assets 278,336 32,668 1,719 312,723 500,365
----------- ---------- -------- ----------- -----------
Current Liabilities
Creditors: due in less than one
year 15 53,884 - - 53,884 54,772
_ ___ ___ _ _
Total Current Liabilities 53,884 - - 53,884 54,772
--------- ---- ---- ---------- ---------
Net Current Assets/Liabilities 224,452 32,668 1,719 258,839 445,593
------------ ---------- -------- ----------- -----------
Total Assets less Current
Liabilities 1,351,713 32,668 91,719 1,476,100 1,485,535
======== ====== ====== ======== ========
Net Assets 1,351,713 32,668 91,719 1,476,100 1,485,535
======== ====== ====== ======== ========
Funds of the Circuit
General fund (unrestricted) 16 1,351,713 - - 1,351,713 1,190,420
Circuit Model Trust Fund
(unrestricted) 16 - 32,668 - 32,668 205,115
____ _ ___ ____ ____
Total Unrestricted Funds 1,351,713 32,668 - 1,384,381 1,395,535
-------------- ---------- ---- -------------- -------------
Restricted funds 16 - - 91,719 91,719 90,000
--- --- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Funds 16 1,351,713 32,668 91,719 1,476,100 1,485,535
======== ====== ====== ======== ========

These financial statements were approved on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees on 21 March 2022 and are signed on their behalf by:

REV. VINCENT JAMBAWO

………………………………………………

(Superintendent Minister)

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these accounts

Page 11

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. CHARITY INFORMATION

The charity (registered number 1137263) is a public benefit entity, established in the UK and governed by The Methodist Church Act 1976. The address of the principal office is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operation and principal activity is the advancement of the Christian faith.

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Basis of Preparation and Assessment of Going Concern

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value, and in accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Charities Act 2011. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

3. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Funds

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

(b) Incoming Resources

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

(c) Resources Expended

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

(d) Grants

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

(e) VAT

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

(f) Tangible Fixed Assets for use by the Circuit

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost more than £500. The freehold property purchased pre 2015 is shown in the accounts at 2015, deemed values resulting from a valuation in 2005. Freehold property purchased since 2015 is shown at cost. The land component is deemed to be a third. No depreciation is provided because the trustees consider the current residual value of the property in its present condition to be not less than its current valuation and, in the absence of any evidence or impairment, any depreciation provision for the buildings component of the property would be immaterial.

Page 12

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

3. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued

(g) Investment Properties

These are properties held for the long term and are included in the financial statements at fair value. Depreciation is not provided on investment property.

(h) Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

4. INCOME FROM MONETARY INVESTMENTS

Circuit Model 2021 2020
Unrestricted Trust Fund Restricted Total Total
£ £ £ £ £
Central Finance Board
Deposits 339 - - 339 1,702
Investments with TMCP - 794 - 794 1,807
____ ____ ___ _____ ______
339 794 - 1,133 3,509
=== === == ==== =====

5. INCOME FROM INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

Circuit Model 2021 2020
Unrestricted Trust Fund Restricted Total Total
£ £ £ £ £
Lettings income:
Alpine Way - - 5,457 5,457 5,238
___ ___ ______ ______ _____
Total - - 5,457 5,457 5,238
== == ==== ==== ====
OTHER CHARITABLE INCOME
Circuit Model 2021 2020
Unrestricted Trust Fund Restricted Total Total
£ £ £ £ £
Lettings income:
2 Wallington Road 6,900 - - 6,900 6,900
Donations for Connexional
Funds 200 - - 200 6,242
Gain on sale of 15 Hanbury
Grove, Ingleby Barwick - 23,403 - 23,403 -
Sale of manuals - - - - 520
Other sundry income 170 - - 170 -
______ _ ___ _ _
Total 7,270 23,403 - 30,673 13,662
==== ===== == ===== =====

6. OTHER CHARITABLE INCOME

One of the Circuit manses is currently let on a short-term basis. It is anticipated that it will be again required to house a Minister.

Page 13

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

7. GRANTS AND DONATIONS

Circuit Model 2021 2020
Unrestricted Trust Fund Restricted Total Total
£ £ £ £ £
Connexional Funds 200 - - 200 6,242
=== == == === ====

8. SALARIES AND ASSOCIATED COSTS

Circuit Model 2021 2020
Unrestricted Trust Fund Restricted Total Total
£ £ £ £ £
Gross wages, salaries and
benefits in kind 86,951 - - 86,951 104,405
Pension costs 21,036 - - 21,036 21,668
Employer’s national
insurance costs 7,345 - - 7,345 8,586
Apprenticeship levy 467 - - 467 489
Telephone 2,266 - - 2,266 2,027
Travelling 1,833 - - 1,833 2,858
Administration 480 410 - 890 923
Relocation costs 8,723 - - 8,723 2,350
__ ____ ___ __ __
Total 129,101 410 - 129,511 143,306
====== === == ====== ======

The average number of staff engaged during the year was 4 (2020: 5). No employees received employee benefits that totalled more than £60,000.

The Superintendent of the Circuit and the other Presbyters and the remaining members of the Circuit Leadership Team are considered as key Management Personnel. The members of the Circuit meeting are the trustees of the Circuit. The stipends, employer’s NIC, apprenticeship levy and employer’s pension contributions and other expenses of the Presbyters of the Circuit are paid by the Circuit.

Payments to Trustees

Apart from the Presbyters (stipends) and the Supernumerary Minister (preaching fees), no member of the Circuit meeting received any payment for work undertaken on behalf of the Circuit.

Included in these accounts is £1,571 (2020: £5,296) in respect of reimbursed expenses for four trustees.

9. PROPERTY

PROPERTY
Circuit Model 2021 2020
Unrestricted Trust Fund Restricted Total Total
£ £ £ £ £
Council tax 5,832 - - 5,832 4,542
Water supply 1,002 - - 1,002 1,191
Energy supply 141 - - 141 356
Repairs and maintenance 20,782 - 131 20,913 17,101
Insurance 3,235 - - 3,235 3,633
Letting expenses 1,230 - 917 2,147 2,113
Valuation fees - - - - 280
Quinquennial reports 3,600 - - 3,600 480
_ ___ _____ _ _
Total 35,822 - 1,048 36,870 29,696
===== == ==== ===== =====

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STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

10. DISTRICT ASSESSMENT AND LEVY

Circuit Model 2021 2020
Unrestricted Trust Fund Restricted Total Total
£ £ £ £ £
District expenses and
Methodist Church funds 57,736 - - 57,736 58,916
Levy on CMTF funds - 7,756 - 7,756 8,577
_ ______ ___ _ _
Total 57,736 7,756 - 65,492 67,493
===== ==== == ===== =====

11. NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR

This is stated after charging:

This is stated after charging:
2021 2020
Total Total
£ £
Independent Examiner’s Fees:
Independent examination – 2021 2,100 1,998
Less: Overprovision re 2019 - (2)
______ ______
2,100 1,996
==== ====

12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Circuit Investment
Manses Property Total
£ £ £
Cost or Valuation
Balance brought forward as at 1 September 2020 949,942 90,000 1,039,942
Additions 329,125 - 329,125
Disposals (151,806) - (151,806)
____ _ ____
1,127,261 90,000 1,217,261
Depreciation
At 31 August 2020 and 31 August 2021 - - -
____ _ ___
Balance carried forward as at 31 August 2021 1,127,261 90,000 1,217,261
======== ===== =======

The Manses comprise four manses for use by the Circuit staff.

The investment property is one property which is held for the long term. In the opinion of the trustees, £90,000 is a reasonable estimate of the market value as at 31 August 2021.

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STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

13. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS

DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
2021 2020
Total Total
£ £
Assessment debtors 1,200 -
Stipends paid in advance 9,023 8,680
_ ______
10,223 8,680
===== ====

14. INVESTMENTS WITH TRUSTEES FOR METHODIST CHURCH PURPOSES

This is an investment receiving body within the Methodist Church and pay interest at market rates.

15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2021 2020
Total Total
£ £
Assessments received in advance 49,320 52,425
Other creditors and accruals 4,564 2,347
_ _
53,884 54,772
===== =====
SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS
At At
01.09.20 Income Expenditure Transfers 31.08.21
£ £ £ £ £
General fund 1,190,420 195,414 227,008 192,887 1,351,713
Circuit Model Trust fund 205,115 24,197 8,166 (188,478) 32,668
____ __ __ __ ____
Total Unrestricted Funds 1,395,535 219,611 235,174 4,409 1,384,381
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------
Tees Valley Housing Fund 90,000 5,457 1,048 (4,409) 90,000
Circuit Mission and
Evangelism Fund - 4,000 2,281 - 1,719
_ ______ ______ ______ _
Total Restricted Funds 90,000 9,457 3,329 (4,409) 91,719
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
TOTAL ALL FUNDS 1,485,535 229,068 238,503 - 1,476,100
======== ====== ====== === ========

16. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS

Page 16

STOCKTON METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

16. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS – Continued

At At
01.09.19 Income Expenditure Transfers 31.08.20
£ £ £ £ £
General fund 1,177,017 225,064 215,935 4,274 1,190,420
Circuit Model Trust fund 221,541 1,807 18,233 - 205,115
____ __ __ ______ ____
Total Unrestricted Funds 1,398,558 226,871 234,168 4,274 1,395,535
------------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------------
Tees Valley Housing Fund 90,000 5,238 964 4,274 90,000
Baptismal Worker Fund - 17,100 17,100 - -
_ _ _ ______ _
Total Restricted Funds 90,000 22,338 18,064 4,274 90,000
--------- --------- --------- ------- ---------
TOTAL ALL FUNDS 1,488,558 249,209 252,232 - 1,485,535
======== ====== ====== === ========

General Fund - this fund is used for general purposes.

Circuit Model Trust Fund - This fund has wide purposes as defined in the standing orders of the Methodist Church.

Tees Valley Housing Fund - This fund is to be used to benefit homeless families.

Baptismal Worker Fund – This fund was used towards the cost of employing a baptismal worker.

Circuit Mission and Evangelism Fund – This fund is used to support new Mission and Evangelism activities.

17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Churches which form the Stockton Methodist Circuit whose assessments provide the principal income for the Circuit are:

Carlton Greens Lane Maltby North Billingham Norton St. Andrew’s Thornaby Trinity Eaglescliffe Yarm Yarm Road

The Circuit paid an assessment and levy to Darlington Methodist District as detailed in note 10 to these accounts.