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2022-03-31-accounts

Report and financial statements For the year to 31[st] March 2022

Freedom Church is the operating name of Great Barton Free Church Limited

Registered company number 08364261 Registered charity number 1151616

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261 Charity Information (as at the date of approval of the Trustees report)

Status Registered as Great Barton Free Church Limited
Charitable company limited by guarantee
Registered company number 08364261
Registered charity number 1151616
Trustees and Directors Mr M S Long (Appointed 1 August 2021)
Mrs L R M Potter
Mr S Collins (Appointed 1 August 2021)
Mrs L R Rollett
Mr T Harrington (Chair from 1 August 2021)
N J Langford (Resigned 1 August 2021)
Leaders Mr M S Long
Mrs E A Long
Governing Document Articles of Association adopted 2nd January 2013
Principal Address Freedom Church
Mill Road
Great Barton
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP31 2RU
Independent Examiner Robert Allin FCA
Milton Hall
Ely Road
Milton
Cambridge
CB24 6WZ
Bankers Barclays Bank plc
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 1DY
CCLA Investment Management Ltd
London
EC4V 4ET
Co-operative Bank
Southway
Skelmersdale
WN8 6WT

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261 Year ended 31 March 2022

Page
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) 1-5
Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) 6
Statement of financial position 7
Notes to the financial statements 8-16
Independent examiner’s report 17

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2022

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006) present their report along with the financial statements of the church for the year ended 31 March 2022. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 8 and 9 and comply with applicable law and charity accounting convention.

Structure, governance and management

The church was founded in the 1840’s as part of Garland Street Baptist Church, Bury St Edmunds, becoming independent in 1948 and changing its legal name to Great Barton Free Church some years later. In June 2012 the membership decided to incorporate the charity by transferring the assets and liabilities together with the administrative function to a charitable company with the same name and under Articles of Association with the same Basis of Faith and similar objects (approved by the Trustees on 2[nd] January 2013). The company became active on 1[st] April 2013 when the entire funds of the unincorporated charitable trust were transferred. On 18[th] December 2015, a new operating name was adopted, Freedom Church; the legal name remains unchanged. The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The liability of members on a winding up is limited to £10 each.

The Church is an independent evangelical church welcoming anyone who wishes to attend irrespective of their faith or denominational background. It is a member of the Evangelical Alliance and within Skylark International, a community of evangelical churches in the UK and beyond.

A team of Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company) provide spiritual oversight for the Church and each confirms their adherence to the Statement of Faith. Trustees are appointed by ordinary resolution at a general meeting or by the body of trustees to fill a vacancy ratified at the immediately following general meeting. One third of the Trusteeship retires at each annual general meeting and may offer themselves for re-election. The minimum and maximum number of Trustees is four and twelve, respectively. The Trustees holding office during the year and since are:

Mr M S Long (Appointed 1 August 2021)
Mrs L R M Potter
Mr S Collins (Appointed 1 August 2021)
Mrs L R Rollett
Mr T Harrington (Chair from 1 August 2021)
N J Langford (Resigned 1 August 2021)

During the early part of the year Mr T Harrington and his wife, Mrs S Harrington served as Church Leaders reporting to the Trustees. On 1 August 2021 they ceded that role to Mr M and Mrs E Long.

Leaders assume responsibility for spiritual leadership, directing and implementing Church Vision and managing the administrative function under the oversight of the Trustees. Mr T Harrington attended Trustee meetings in his dual role as Church Leader and Trustee (Director), and from August Mr M Long assumed that dual role. Mr Long is remunerated in his role as Church Leader and receives no emoluments as Trustee. Leaders’ remuneration is approved by the Trustees, a decision that excludes the Trustee/Leader from the quorum. Mr Harrington ceased taking remuneration last year and has received no renumeration in 2021/22. He remains on the trustee board. Mrs Harrington remains on the leadership team.

During the year, no Trustee or connected person received remuneration, except as described above.

Volunteers

The Church would simply not function without the invaluable help of the many who volunteer, running and assisting with fellowship clusters, outreach events and numerous areas of church ministry. The Trustees are truly grateful to all who give freely of their time in these ways.

1

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

Objectives and activities

The charitable objective of the Church is for the public benefit to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith set out in the Church constitution and to do such charitable activities as are consistent with those beliefs. The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

This objective is developed through sound teaching, being a centre for prayer and Christian fellowship and a group of people seeking to demonstrate the love and power of God to the local community and beyond.

Freedom Church’s vision is to be fully focused on the presence of the Lord, centered in and welcoming the local community and providing resources to that community and Christian ministries both locally and further afield.

Church services are inter-denominational, open to all who wish to attend irrespective of faith, albeit of necessity over the last year these have been conducted largely through the use of online technology and telephone to those who are unable to access technology. Over the past year teaching has continued to develop the vision (Community, Presence and Resource – CPR) and has specifically focused on navigating the congregation and local community through the Coronavirus pandemic whilst retaining healthy spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Similarly, cluster groups - House Groups, prayer groups, specific interest groups and family ministry aimed at supporting parents as they raise their children have largely been conducted online and the use of chat forums has seen a considerable take-up, particularly for communicating prayer requests and sharing significant answers to prayer.

Church mission work is both local and international and comprises evangelical, training and relief and aid programmes. As part of this work, the Church donates 10% of income received from offerings and giving to a wide variety of Christian charities and ministries. In the past year these included A2B, a charity working to relieve poverty in Albania; New Day United UK, working into slum areas of South Africa; and national charities such as Open Doors, Open the Book (the Bible Society), Kintsugi Hope and Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

Through our members the Church has worked with a diverse mix of Christian ministries connecting with the local community through the provision of foodstuff to Storehouse, a local food bank; and support both financial and practical to Bury Drop-in centre, a local women’s refuge and Mission Resource providing practical construction skills to other ministries. Specifically, this year the congregation have contributed £6,990 to create a hardship fund specifically for the relief of those who have been adversely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The outreach programme in Great Barton has been significantly curtailed due to Coronavirus, however as and when restrictions have permitted the Freedom Cafe has hosted outdoor and Covid secure gatherings during the summer months and a pre-Christmas event for the community. In partnership with a local soft play company, Covid secure pre-school activities have also been organised whenever possible. Additionally, successful on-line Alpha courses have been run and a new partnership has commenced with Kintsugi Hope to promote and support emotional and mental well-being.

Despite the challenges of the last year there has been an overall increase in the numbers of people who regard Freedom Church as their church.

Grant making and gifts

It is church practice to gift a minimum of 20% of income from offerings and donations; 10% each to Skylark International and other Christian ministries. Giving is usually in excess of 20% and in the year to 31st March 2022 amounted to 26% (2021: 27%) of unrestricted offerings including Gift Aid tax relief. Note 4.2 to the accounts provides details of the beneficiaries of that unrestricted giving together with those benefitting from restricted giving.

2

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

Future developments

At the start of 2021 a period of transition in the senior leadership was announced which comes into full effect from August 2021 as Mr & Mrs Long take on that role.

Looking forward, whilst the objectives of the church remain unchanged there will be noticeable differences in the way the Church fulfils them:

As lockdown restrictions are eased the re-opening of Freedom Café and the Church more generally for the benefit of local groups and community are key to pursuing wider opportunities for achieving our objectives. Successfully developing the scope and opening hours of Freedom Cafe is seen as key to the future success and growth of the church and community surrounding Freedom Church and the opportunity of employing a coffee shop manager and small team is actively being explored.

Finance

In accordance with company law, the financial statements are prepared on the accruals basis.

During the year total offerings, donations and gift aid increased by 2.2% to £101,765 from £99,558 in the previous year.

In addition grant income was £10,002 comprising: Suffolk Community Foundation - Harris Family Fund £2,500 and Suffolk Giving Fund £2,000 - to help finance our Debt Coach for the Bury St Edmunds CAP Centre; Covid recovery grants of £2,273 from West Suffolk Council, £685 and £1,544 from West Suffolk Councillors Locality Grant and Great Barton Parish Council respectively to help re-establish and develop the community hub; and, £1,000 from the Tudwick Foundation for the Kintsugi Wellbeing Project. The trustees are grateful to the grantors for this funding.

Unrestricted giving which finances staff salaries and Church running costs was £86,466 (2021: £77,980). Income received for specific purposes was £25,301 (£27,578 in 2021), substantially for the Bury St Edmunds CAP Centre. In addition, just over £5,000 was raised (in addition to grants) to establish Freedom Café community hub and just under £2,000 for this years Gift Day appeal principally for the benefit of CAP clients.

Other income increased dramatically to £37,015 (2021: £1,954) as church activities resumed after covid restrictions were eased. Significantly the income relates to the reinvigorated Café, now open to the local community and related community outreach groups and events. Hire of church premises has also recovered and increased over the historic average.

As the church reopened, non-staff costs - outreach and running and maintaining church buildings – significantly increased to support the community hub. Total resources expended during the year (excluding restricted funds) were £117,880 (2021: £85,124). Restricted expenditure amounted to £28,621 (2021: £29,678) the significant element of which was £19,175 to finance the CAP Centre and gifts of £3,759 from the Gift Day and Hardship appeal funds.

3

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

Finance (continued)

The Church employed two part-time Community Workers, mainly engaged running the Bury St Edmunds CAP Centre, and, for the latter seven months, a full time Community outreach worker to run Freedom Café community hub.. Salaries were also paid to Church Leaders and an Associate Leader and two part-time clerical staff. Total staff costs were £66,056 (2021: £57,830).

At the end of the year the Church had unrestricted funds totalling £31,905 (2021: £22,405) of which £25,134 (2021: £17,321) is held as net current assets. Money not needed for immediate use is deposited with COIF Charities Deposit Fund. In addition, the Church is holding £4,968 (2021: £12,182) for specific projects.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees recognise that in normal circumstances income will match expenditure. Hence, it is general practice to maintain sufficient reserves to meet foreseeable expenditure for the month ahead. Unrestricted net current assets on 31[st] March 2022 represent about two month’s cover. Towards the year end and since, a there has been a general increase of offerings and donations which has stabilised cash flow and now shows an improvement over that of 2021/22. The trustees consider the Church will remain a going concern for the foreseeable future. In making this assessment, the trustees have considered the on-going impact of Covid-19 and have concluded the effect on net income will not be material.

Risk Management

The Trustees have examined the major strategic and operational risks that the church faces and confirm that all major insurable risks are covered under church liability and all risks cover. Safeguarding and health and safety policies extensively updated have been kept under review. Contractual and financial risks are monitored on an on-going basis and appropriate action is taken as required.

Statement of Trustees responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law 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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

4

FREEDOM CHURCH

Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The Trustees declare that they have approved the report above and it is signed on their behalf by:

Trevor Harrington

…………………………………..

12[th] December 2022

T Harrington - Trustee

5

FREEDOM CHURCH

Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Statement of financial activities (Income & Expenditure) for the year ended 31 March 2022


Note
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
3
Investment income
Charitable activities
3
Total income
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities
4
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure) before transfers
Transfer Between Funds
Net income and net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
10 to 11		 2022
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
fundsTotal funds
£
£
£
86,466
25,301
111,767
5
–
5
37,015
–
37,015
─────────
─────────
─────────
123,486
25,301
148,787
═════════
═════════
═════════
117,880
28,621
146,501
─────────
─────────
─────────
117,880
28,621
146,501
═════════
═════════
═════════
5,606
(3,320)
2,286
3,894
(3,894)
-
─────────
─────────
─────────
9,500
(7,214)
2,286
═════════
═════════
═════════
22,405
12,182
34,587
─────────
────────
─────────
31,905
4,968
36,873		 2021
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
£
£
£
87,980
27,578
115,558
5
-
5
1,854
100
1,954
─────────
─────────
─────────
89,839
27,678
117,517
═════════
═════════
═════════
85,124
29,678
114,803
─────────
─────────
─────────
85,124
29,678
114,803
═════════
═════════
═════════
4,715
(2,001)
2,714
(2,100)
2,100
-
─────────
─────────
─────────
2,615
99
2,714
═════════
═════════
═════════
19,790
12,083
31,873
─────────
─────────
─────────
22,405
12,182
34,587
═════════
════════
═════════		 ═════════
═════════
═════════

There have been no recognised gains or losses other than the net incoming and resources expended for the year to 31st March 2022 and the previous year.

All incoming and expended resources relate to continuing activities.

The notes on pages 8 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

6

FREEDOM CHURCH

Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Balance sheet as at 31st March 2022


Note
Fixed assets:
Tangible fixed assets
7
Current assets: Debtors
8
Bank and Cash
Total current assets
Liabilities:
Creditors due within one year
9
Net current assets
Net assets
Total funds
10 to 11
Unrestricted funds analysis:
General fund
Designated funds		 2022
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
funds

£
£
£

6,771
107
6,878

4,342
170
4,512
27,360
4,909
32,269
────────
────────
────────
31,702
5,079
36,781
───────
────────
────────

(6,568)
(218)
(6,786)		 2021
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
£
£
£
5,084
211
5,295
2,452
155
2,607
19,139
13,230
32,369
────────
────────
────────
21,591
13,385
34,976
────────
────────
────────
(4,270)
(1,414)
(5,684)
────────
────────
────────		 ────────
────────
────────
25,134
4,861
29,995
31,905
4,968
36,873		 17,321
11,971
29,292
22,405
12,182
34,587
════════
════════
════════		 ════════
════════
════════
31,905
4,968
36,873
22,405
12,182
34,587
════════
════════
════════		 ════════
════════
════════
21,289
10,616
17,438
4,967
════════ ════════

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2021.

The members have not deposited notice, pursuant to Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requiring an audit of these financial statements. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies and with the FRS102 Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective January 2019).

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 12[th] December 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

Trevor Harrington

________ Mr T Harrington - Chair

The notes on pages 8 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

7

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Notes forming part of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022

1. General information

The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales. The registered office address, being the principal address, is shown on the Charity information page.

2. Accounting policies

Convention

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 applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective January 2019)’, 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 on a going concern basis.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. Based on the adequacy of the charity’s reserves as at the balance sheet date, along with their knowledge of the charity’s ability to meet bills, payments and other liabilities as they fall due, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the charity has sufficient resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. In making this assessment the trustees have considered the impact of Covid-19 and have concluded that its impact on net income will not be material.

Tangible fixed assets, depreciation and impairment

Tangible assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £200. They are valued at cost and depreciated on a straight line basis; property improvements by 20% p.a. and equipment by 25% p.a. An annual impairment review is done of all fixed assets and, where required, the assets are written down to fair value.

Fund accounting

Incoming resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with income from events) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the Church has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Incoming resources given under the Gift Aid scheme are included in the SoFA inclusive of the recoverable tax. The tax to be reclaimed from HM Revenue &Customs is accounted for as a debtor.

8

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Notes forming part of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources ( continued)

Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable.

Recoverable gift aid. This is recognised when the related donation is received. Gift aid that has not been recovered by the balance sheet date is included as a debtor.

Donated services are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.

Expenditure

Liabilities, including irrecoverable VAT, are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Church to pay resources.

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources. The basis of allocation is shown in note 4.1 to these financial statements.

Pension commitments

The Church pays employers contributions into a group pension defined contribution scheme for its employees in accordance with the workplace pension regulations. Contributions are accounted for in the SoFA when payable. The assets of the scheme are held entirely separately from those of the Church.

Financial instruments

All financial instruments are basic financial instruments initially recognised at cost and subsequently measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value or likely liability. Such assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Taxation

The company is a registered charity and is exempt from taxation under the Income & Corporation Taxes Acts. The company is not VAT registered.

Gift Aid tax relief claims and allowance under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme are made on relevant offerings and other giving.

Cashflow statement

The company has taken advantage of the exemption provided by the FRS 102 SORP and has not prepared a Cash Flow Statement for the year.

Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

The trustees do not consider that there are any material sources of estimation or uncertainty at the balance sheet date that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying values of assets and liabilities in the next reporting period.

9

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Notes forming part of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

3. Incoming resources

3.1 Analysis of offerings and donations

Offerings and donations
Grants (note 3.2)
Tax recoverable		 2022

3.2 Grant income

The Church received income from grants as follows:

Suffolk Community Foundation
- Henry Smith Charities
- Harris Family Fund
- Suffolk Giving Fund
West Suffolk Council Locality Grant
The Tudwick Foundation
West Suffolk Council Covid Emergency Grant
Great Barton Parish Council		 2022

3.3 Analysis of other incoming resources

Premises income
Outreach
Freedom Café
Keep-Fit Club
Freedom Tots
Community events – Fireworks evening
Other community events
Ministry
Youth and young church events
Sundry income		 2022

10

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Notes forming part of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

4. Analysis of the costs of Church activities

Analysis of the costs of Church activities
2022
Ministry
Mission
Outreach
Total
£
£
£
Staff costs, travel and training
34,225
–
27,900
62,125
Speakers and resources
541
–
–
541
Freedom Café cost of sales & overheads
–
–
11,869
11,869
Catering, clubs & events
1,995
–
8,453
10,448
Youth and young church
721
–
–
721
Donations and giving
(note 4.2)
–
25,491
1,200
26,691
Sundry expenses
216
–
27
243
Apportionment of:
Property overheads
(note 4.1)
8,282
–
12,362
20,644
Support costs
(note 4.1)
5,288
–
7,931
13,219
─────────
─────────
─────────
─────────
51,268
25,491
69,742
146,501
═════════
═════════
═════════
═════════		 2021
Total
£
50,739
60
827
899
201
37,911
65
12,780
11,321
─────────
114,803
═════════

4.1 Analysis of property overheads and support costs across Church activities

Property:
Rent
Utilities
Insurance
Cleaning
Maintenance
Depreciation and loss on asset disposal
Support:
Staff costs and training
Accountancy and bookkeeping
Postage, printing & stationery
Telephone, internet & computer
Subscriptions
Independent Examiners fee
Sundry expenses		 2022

Property and Support overheads are apportioned to church activities; 60% to ministry and 40% to outreach (2021: 60% ministry and 40% outreach).

11

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Notes forming part of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

4. Analysis of the costs of Church activities (continued)

4.2 Analysis of mission giving (grants)

Missionary support
Relief of poverty and support
Missionary support
Relief of poverty and support		 2022

The Church supports missions and missionaries in the UK and internationally and has done so for a number of years. Whilst some of this support has no end date, the Trustees do review giving on at least an annual basis and they have not communicated open-ended commitments. They are confident donees would not consider there are any such commitments. As such, the arrangements do not constitute future constrictive obligations.

Included above are contributions of £7,800 (2021, £7,800) from the Church to Christians Against Poverty (CAP) under a partnership agreement which provides for a local debt counselling and support centre (bury St Edmunds CAP Centre). Under the agreement, the contribution is reviewed annually by the Church trustees under guidance from CAP. In the event of the closure of the Centre, the Church has a contractual obligation to pay £100 per month for twelve months from the date of termination.

In addition, giving to other charities amounting to £1,000 or over annually and included in the total above is as follows:

Skylark International
Aid to the Balkans UK (A2B)
Kintsugi Hope Project
5.
Staff Costs		 2022
Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind
Employer’s National Insurance costs
Pension costs
Total staff costs		 2022

The average number of staff employed during the year was 7 (2021: 6) On a full-time equivalent basis it was 3 (2021: 3).

12

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261 Notes forming part of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

6. Trustees remuneration and related party transactions

Excluding reimbursed out of pocket expenses wholly in respect of Church operating costs, there were no payments made to the Trustees and Directors during the period in their capacity as Trustees and Directors of the Church except as disclosed below.

As provided by the Church Articles of Association, Mr T Harrington, being executive Trustee and Director and his wife were employed as Church Leaders (key management) until 31 July 2021, and in that role, they were remunerated by the Church. Mrs Harrington continues to be remunerated as Associate Leader. During the year remuneration paid excluding employer pension contributions was; Mr T Harrington: £nil (2021: £11,773) and Mrs S Harrington: £10,724 (2021: £15,697). In addition, employers pension contributions of £259 were paid on behalf of Mrs S Harrington (2021: £785).

On 1 August 2021, Mr M Long and his wife Mrs E Long assumed the Church Leadership role and M Long was elected to the Board of Trustees. Both are remunerated in their Leadership role and, during the year they were each paid £11,899 and employers pension contributions of £422 each were paid on their behalf.

During the year monetary gifts of £420 and £160 were made to Mr & Mrs Harrington and Mr & Mrs Long respectively at the time of the leadership hand-over (2021: monetary gifts of £150 each made to trustee directors: N Langford, I McKee, Mrs L Potter, and Mrs L Rollett; non-monetary gifts of £37 and £15 respectively to Mr & Mrs N Langford and Mrs L Rollett respectively.

Trustees external to the main Church body occasionally visit Freedom Church to preach and teach and in common with all visiting speakers, they receive round sums to cover travel and out of pocket expenses. There were no such occasions in 2022 or 2021.

Mr T Harrington and Mr N Langford are also directors of Skylark International Community that provide support and spiritual oversight to Freedom Church. During the year the Church paid a tithe of £8,647 to Skylark International Community (2021: £7,798).

In respect of the year, no fees are payable to the Charity’s Independent Examiner, other than for the independent examination (2021: £nil).

7. Fixed assets

Church buildings

The land and buildings the Church occupies are not capitalised in these accounts as legal title and significant rights and obligations as regards the assets rest with the trustees of a separate trust, known informally as the Land Trust. The trustees of the Land Trust, who are members of the Church, are obliged to ensure the land and buildings are used for purposes consistent with the objects of that trust The Church is the main tenant. Whilst no rent is charged, the Church is responsible for insurance, maintenance and all running costs. Any improvement expenditure, whilst financed by the Church is subject to the approval of the Land Trustees.

In 2019 the Land Trustees leased the Church hall roof to West Suffolk Council for the installation of a solar photovoltaic array. The Church benefits from a reduction in the cost of electricity used.

13

FREEDOM CHURCH Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Notes forming part of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

7. Fixed assets (continued)

Fixed assets(continued)
Assets capitalised Property Equipment Total
improvements
Cost
At 1 April 2021 13,924 24,680 38,604
Additions 1,245 4,454 5,699
Disposals – (896) (896)
──────── ──────── ────────
At 31 March 2022 15,169 28,238 43,407
════════ ════════ ════════
Depreciation
At 1 April 2021 13,104 20,205 33,309
Charge for the year 656 3,458 4,114
Eliminated on disposals – (894) (894)
──────── ──────── ────────
At 31 March 2022 13,760 22,769 36,529
════════ ════════ ════════
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2022 1,409 5,469 6,878
════════ ════════ ════════
At 31 March 2021 820 4,475 5,295
════════ ════════ ════════

8. Debtors

Recoverable taxation
Prepayments		 2022

9. Creditors

PAYE and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors		 2022

14

Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

FREEDOM CHURCH

Notes forming part of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

10. Unrestricted Funds

nrestricted Funds
Balance at Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at
31/03/2021 31/03/2022
£ £ £ £ £
General Fund 17,438 93,503
82,209		 (7,443) 21,289
Designated Funds:
Freedom Café – 18,961
23,248		 4,287 –
Community events – 11,022
9,023		 (1,597) 402
Mission fund 3,730 –
3,400		 8,647 8,977
Good Neighbour Scheme 952 –
–		 – 952
Youth Mission Fund 285 –
–		 – 285
───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
22,405 123,486
117,880		 3,894 31,905
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

In the previous year the movements in the charity’s unrestricted funds were as follows:

Balance at Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at
31/03/2020 31/03/2021
£ £ £ £ £
General Fund 13,210 89,839
75,713		 (9,898) 17,438
Designated Funds:
Mission fund 5,343 –
9,411		 7,798 3,730
Good Neighbour Scheme 952 –
–		 – 952
Youth Mission Fund 285 –
–		 – 285
───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
19,790 89,839
85,124		 (2,100) 22,405
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

Freedom Café and Community events funds are for the running of the reinvigorated church outreach programme to provide a local community hub.

The Mission fund is income set aside to support home and overseas missions. Donations are made to missionary charities and to individuals working in Christian mission. All grants are considered and approved by Trustees.

Good Neighbour Scheme commenced early in 2016/17 being a small structured group of volunteers offering help and support to fellow residents in need. Put simply, neighbours being neighbours!

Youth Mission Fund was established to assist with the travel costs of young people from the Church working in Christian missions. Grants are considered by the Leaders.

11. Restricted Funds

Balance at Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at
31/03/2021 31/03/2022
£ £ £ £ £
Freedom Café – giving fund – 7,366
1,652		 (5,714)
–
Bury St Edmunds CAP Centre 6,078 12,256
19,175		 2,125
1,284
Gift Day Fund 214 1,959
1,360		 –
813
Hardship Fund 3,381 203
2,399		 –
1,185
Kintsugi Hope Project 785 1,013
2,412		 1,125
511
Vision Offering 866 2,229
973		 (1,430)
692
Bible Fund 160 –
34		 –
126
Outreach Activities 373 –
91		 –
282
House on The Hill 75 –
–		 –
75
Special offerings for other charities 250 275
525		 –
–
───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
12,182 25,301
28,621		 (3,894)
4,968
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

15

FREEDOM CHURCH

Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Notes forming part of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 (continued)

11. Restricted Funds (continued)

In the previous year the movements in the charity’s unrestricted funds were as follows:

Balance at Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at
31/03/2021 31/03/2022
£ £ £ £ £
Mission Fund 317 3,842
4,159		 _– _
–
Bury St Edmunds CAP Centre 9,039 12,597
17,658		 _2,100 _
6,078
Gift Day Fund – 2,849
2,635		 _– _
214
Hardship Fund 625 6,990
4,234		 _– _
3,381
Kintsugi Hope Project – 1,000
215		 _– _
785
Vision Offering 820 100
54		 _– _
866
Bible Fund 160 –
–		 _– _
160
Outreach Activities 747 –
374		 _– _
373
House on The Hill 75 –
–		 _– _
75
Special offerings for other charities 300 300
350		 _– _
250
───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
12,083 27,678
29,679		 _2,100 _
12,182
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

Freedom Café Giving Fund received gifts made specifically to help establish Freedom Café community hub.

The restricted Mission fund receives income given specifically to help local and overseas missions. Donations are made to missionary charities and to individuals working in Christian mission in accordance with donors wishes subject to Trustees approval.

Bury St Edmunds CAP Centre operates in partnership with national charity, Christians Against Poverty, to provide debt counselling and befriending to those in the local community struggling with debt and financial hardship. Activities are largely concentrated in Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

Gift Day fund church appeals to bless those in the local community with whom church members work or help.

The Hardship fund is a special appeal to assist and bless those particularly hard hit or struggling financially due to covid-19 restrictions or ill-health.

Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Project commenced in February 2021 and facilitates, through virtual and physical peer-mentoring groups, a safe space for people who feel or have felt overwhelmed by mental or emotional health challenges, providing tools for self-management.

Vision fund is a special offering made for the enhancement of Church facilities to resource and support the Church Vision to provide a focus for the local and wider community. Fund resources applied to capital expenditure is transferred to the general fund as capital projects are completed. Such expenditure is depreciated within the general fund according to the charity’s accounting policy. Capital assets transferred in 2021/22 amounted to £1,430 (2021: £nil).

The Bible Fund was established to provide support where cost is a barrier to purchasing a bible.

Outreach Activities. With the permission of the donor, the Gospel on the Green fund which was established some years ago to support open air ministry and outreach events held at Beyton and Thurston has now a wider remit covering any outreach events or activities.

Special offerings to other charities represent donations received in response to appeals on behalf of other charities. The amounts are passed directly to the charities concerned.

16

FREEDOM CHURCH

Great Barton Free Church Limited Registered company number 08364261

Independent Examiner’s Report for the year ended 31 March 2022

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Great Barton Free Church Limited ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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.

Robert E Allin

Robert Allin FCA Independent Examiner

Milton Hall, Ely Road Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6WZ

12[th] December 2022

17