REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 08522873 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1153061
City Church Preston
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2020
City Church Preston
Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 | ||
| Report of the Trustees | 2 | to | 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 8 | to | 9 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 10 | to | 15 |
City Church Preston
Reference and Administrative Details
for the year ended 31 December 2020
TRUSTEES DC Hogarth PJ Maltby PS Counsell SR Thirukumaran AM Allton REGISTERED OFFICE St Thomas' Centre Lancaster Road North Preston Lancashire PR1 2SQ REGISTERED COMPANY 08522873 (England and Wales) NUMBER REGISTERED CHARITY 1153061 NUMBER INDEPENDENT EXAMINER McMillan & Co LLP Chartered Accountants 28 Eaton Avenue Matrix Office Park Buckshaw Village Chorley Lancashire PR7 7NA
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City Church Preston (Registered number: 08522873)
Report of the Trustees
for the year ended 31 December 2020
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives
City Church Preston is a community of faith, hope and love that seeks to communicate the life changing message of Jesus to Preston and beyond. The Church seeks to serve the community and encourages its church partners and regular attendees to be involved in all positive aspects of serving our city.
The objectives of the Church are for the benefit of the public:
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a) to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Faith of Assemblies of God in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Directors from time to time may think fit;
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b) to relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Directors from time to time think fit, and;
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c) to advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Directors from time to time may think fit.
In accordance with its aims, the Church planned and delivered a range of activities throughout the year. These activities were planned with due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, and in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.
Church partners and attendees have been encouraged to become active in the expression of their Christian faith through;
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teaching, encouragement and practical demonstration on how to follow the example of Jesus, both in faith, word and action.
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Collective acts of worship.
The Church also provided funeral services, with emotional and practical support provided for the family and friends of those who had passed away.
Aims and purposes
The trustees are responsible for ensuring that City Church Preston fulfils its charitable aims which are to advance the Christian faith, relieve sickness and financial hardship, and advance education.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives.
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City Church Preston (Registered number: 08522873)
Report of the Trustees
for the year ended 31 December 2020
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities and review of the year
City Church Preston is a vibrant faith community centered on the teaching and example of Jesus Christ. It is a community which is socially and ethnically diverse, inclusive, and connects with all ages. The Church is welcoming to all, particularly those who are interested to learn more about the Christian faith. Opportunities such as the Alpha course have been provided for those who wish to gain an understanding of the basic principles of Christianity, together with water baptismal services for those who wish to be baptised.
During 2020 the Church provided a network of practical support for people, including pastoral support for those in challenging situations, visiting those who were sick, and support for the elderly and disabled. Practical support and guidance was made available to those who were in financial difficulty, together with prayer and support for difficult situations, faced by those in the church community, their colleagues, friends, family and the wider community.
In March 2020 the COVID 19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns introduced significant restrictions for the operation of City Church Preston. In response to the restrictions, the church stopped meeting in the building, except for Food Markets, and started a fast transition to offering services and content online using Zoom, the church website and YouTube. Over the remainder of 2020 City Church Preston offered 225 online sessions with over 200 hours of content. This was supported by one to one on line sessions to encourage and support individuals during the lockdowns.
The Food Markets which were supported by Preston City Council were increased in frequency to one a week during the summer of 2020 to meet the demand and need in the church's locality. These were a source of encouragement, food, and also a point of connection and support for the local community. These have continued through the year and into 2021 responding to need at a reduced frequency.
The online offerings and content were made widely available and advertised on the church website, notices on the building, and through social media, so that they were made available to as many people as possible.
Staff and volunteers
All areas of church life are essentially staffed by volunteers who freely give their time and skills, and without whom the charity could not function. The only remunerated staff members during 2020 were the part time Lead Pastor, the part time Associate Pastor and the part time Church Caretaker.
During the year all policies and procedures are reviewed (and updated where appropriate). The Safeguarding policy is reviewed and kept current in line with Thirty One:Eight (CCPAS) advice, with a full independent audit of the Safeguarding policies and processes undertaken by Thirty One:Eight in late 2018, with all the minor improvements and recommendations completed by the end of December 2018. The policy is updated annually to reflect the latest advice from AOG and Thirty One:Eight advisors.
Missions
As in previous years there continues to be a strong emphasis on missions work outside the church itself, both locally, in the UK and overseas. During the period the church has given £5,441 (2019: £5,867) to support missions. This has included direct support to missionaries working in the UK and overseas.
Church premises
The church building, St Thomas' Centre gives City Church Preston an operating base, a home in the community, and supports the extension and development of ministry opportunities within the community we serve. During 2020 due to the COVID 19 pandemic we have had to suspend activities in the building, but are looking forward to recommencing the church services and the weekly coffee drop in, which allows pastoral conversations and support, and creates an accessible connection point for the local community.
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City Church Preston (Registered number: 08522873)
Report of the Trustees
for the year ended 31 December 2020
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Partnerships
The Church is committed to playing a full part in the Assemblies of God GB fellowship, aiming to always be a net contributor to this wider network. This includes contributing to the AOG GB INCARE Relief and Development fund, and playing an active role in the AOG General Manager's team , with particular reference to Professional Standards and reconciliation and restoration. The Church also continues to benefit from close working with other churches and organisations in Preston, the North West and elsewhere in the UK and abroad. A successful partnership with Preston City Council was extended during the year to provide food markets each week during the COVID 10 pandemic lockdowns.
The Church continues to pursue partnerships that are of benefit to attendees and the wider community, such as its partnerships with Community Solutions, Diverse Church, PAIS, Fusion (linking into the students at UCLan), Mercy Ministries and many others.
There has been a continuation of the good work carried out by the church, with many people, both young and old, being empowered and encouraged to make better life choices. For some this has been to take further steps on their journey to faith, with a number becoming part of the church community. The Church was able to provide pastoral, emotional and practical support to those in need. In all these areas the Trustees wish to record their thanks to God for his leading and provision, together with their thanks to all the volunteers who have sacrificially given of their time and finance in service to both the church community and the wider community.
Considerations arising from the Covid-19 pandemic
Following the Government's announcement that there would be a national lockdown in March 2020 the Trustees took the immediate decision to close the building and move services online. From the first Sunday after lockdown the Church has not only maintained high quality Sunday services, but also introduced new online communion services and prayer meetings accessible by phone. Special consideration has been given to those without internet access. Pastoral support has been offered to all Church members. Practical support in the form of weekly food parcels was made available to church families and the local community for the first 12 weeks of lockdown.
The Trustees continue to follow Government guidance and are adopting a considered approach to the national and local guidance when planning next steps. The Church's financial position is being carefully monitored. Due to relatively consistent levels of income before and during the pandemic the Trustees have not needed to use the Government's furlough scheme.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The Charity has a Reserves Policy which identifies a prudent level of reserves, based on holding an amount equal to circa six months salary bill.
Additional to this is a value held in reserve for the planned and unplanned maintenance of St Thomas' Centre on Lancaster Road North, which is the operating base for the Church.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, the Articles of Association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The trustees of the charity are responsible for the leadership and management of the charity to fulfil the objectives of the charity in line with Biblical principles and legal requirements. Appointment of additional trustees is the responsibility of the existing trustees.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
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City Church Preston (Registered number: 08522873)
Report of the Trustees
for the year ended 31 December 2020
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 22 July 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
PS Counsell - Trustee
Page 5
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of City Church Preston
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of City Church Preston ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts 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 your 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts 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
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the accounts 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.
Neil McMillan FCA McMillan & Co LLP Chartered Accountants 28 Eaton Avenue Matrix Office Park Buckshaw Village Chorley Lancashire PR7 7NA
22 July 2021
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City Church Preston
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 December 2020
| 2020 Unrestricted Restricted Total fund funds funds Notes £ £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 41,059 2,013 43,072 Charitable activities Income - - - Investment income 3 34 - 34 Total 41,093 2,013 43,106 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Church Activities 28,883 1,113 29,996 Building Expenses 8,899 - 8,899 Administration 8,454 - 8,454 Other 1,000 - 1,000 Total 47,236 1,113 48,349 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (6,143) 900 (5,243) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 191,958 2,228 194,186 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 185,815 3,128 188,943 |
2019 Total funds £ 42,699 423 46 43,168 34,103 23,520 9,528 1,000 68,151 (24,983) 219,169 194,186 |
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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City Church Preston (Registered number: 08522873)
Balance Sheet
31 December 2020
| Unrestricted Restricted fund funds Notes £ £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 8 157,226 224 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 9 4,229 - Cash at bank 27,927 2,904 32,156 2,904 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 10 (3,567) - NET CURRENT ASSETS 28,589 2,904 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 185,815 3,128 NET ASSETS 185,815 3,128 FUNDS 11 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
2020 Total funds £ 157,450 4,229 30,831 35,060 (3,567) 31,493 188,943 188,943 185,815 3,128 188,943 |
2019 Total funds £ 158,306 5,703 33,856 39,559 (3,679) 35,880 194,186 194,186 191,958 2,228 194,186 |
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The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2020.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
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(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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City Church Preston (Registered number: 08522873)
Balance Sheet - continued
31 December 2020
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 July 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:
PS Counsell - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 9
City Church Preston
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2020
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The charity is a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is St Thomas' Centre, Lancaster Road North, Preston, PR1 2SQ.
There are no material uncertanties about the charity's ability to continue.
The presentational currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).
The amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest £1.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, 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 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
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 the obligation can be 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.
Governance costs
Governance costs are those incurred in connection with compliance and constitutional and statutory requirements.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures and fittings - 15% on reducing balance Computer equipment - 33% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation 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 particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
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City Church Preston
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the year ended 31 December 2020
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Financial instruments
Financial instruments are recognised when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial assets, which include debtors, prepayments and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price and are subsequently carried at cost unless the arrangement indicates otherwise and then the asset is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Basic financial liabilities, which include creditors, accruals, bank loans and group borrowings, are initially recognised at transaction price and are subsequently carried at cost unless the arrangement indicates otherwise and then the liability is measured at the present value of the future obligations discounted at a market rate of interest.
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
4.
| Deposit account interest NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): Independent examination Depreciation - owned assets |
2020 £ 34 2020 £ 1,000 856 |
2019 £ 46 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 £ 1,000 972 |
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Mr PS Counsell, a Trustee was paid £12,630 (2019: £15,200) for his services as Lead Pastor. The payment was approved by the Board of Trustees and is permitted by the constitution, which has been approved by the Charity Commission.
Mr D Alton, the husband of one of the trustees was paid £6,105 in the period (2019: £2,544) for his services as Pastor.
Trustees' expenses
Mr PS Counsell, a Trustee was paid £Nil (2019: £Nil) towards his travel expenses as Lead Pastor.
6. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Staff |
2020 £ 21,730 21,730 2020 3 |
2019 £ 20,084 |
|---|---|---|
| 20,084 | ||
| 2019 - |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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City Church Preston
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the year ended 31 December 2020
| 7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 42,028 Charitable activities Income 423 Investment income 46 Total 42,497 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Church Activities 33,299 Building Expenses 17,151 Administration 9,528 Other 1,000 Total 60,978 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (18,481) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 210,439 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 191,958 8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures Freehold and property fittings £ £ COST At 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 152,756 8,267 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2020 - 2,781 Charge for year - 823 At 31 December 2020 - 3,604 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2020 152,756 4,663 At 31 December 2019 152,756 5,486 |
Restricted funds £ 671 - - 671 804 6,369 - - 7,173 (6,502) 8,730 2,228 Computer equipment £ 1,126 1,062 33 1,095 31 64 |
Total funds £ 42,699 423 46 43,168 34,103 23,520 9,528 1,000 68,151 (24,983) 219,169 194,186 Totals £ 162,149 3,843 856 4,699 157,450 158,306 |
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City Church Preston
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the year ended 31 December 2020
| 9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors Prepayments 10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Accruals and deferred income 11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At 1/1/20 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 191,958 Restricted funds Missions 558 Youth Funds 1,670 2,228 TOTAL FUNDS 194,186 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 41,093 Restricted funds Missions 2,013 Youth Funds - 2,013 TOTAL FUNDS 43,106 |
2020 2019 £ £ 4,022 5,479 207 224 4,229 5,703 2020 2019 £ £ 3,567 3,679 Net movement At in funds 31/12/20 £ £ (6,143) 185,815 939 1,497 (39) 1,631 900 3,128 (5,243) 188,943 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (47,236) (6,143) (1,074) 939 (39) (39) (1,113) 900 (48,349) (5,243) |
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City Church Preston
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the year ended 31 December 2020
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Missions Youth Funds Building Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1/1/19 £ 210,439 3,821 1,801 3,108 8,730 219,169 |
Net movement in funds £ (18,481) (3,263) (131) (3,108) (6,502) (24,983) |
At 31/12/19 £ 191,958 558 1,670 - 2,228 194,186 |
|---|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 42,497 | (60,978) | (18,481) |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Missions | 671 | (3,934) | (3,263) |
| Youth Funds | - | (131) | (131) |
| Building Fund | - | (3,108) | (3,108) |
| 671 | (7,173) | (6,502) | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 43,168 | (68,151) | (24,983) |
The purpose of the restricted funds is as follows:
Missions There are a number of small funds to support missionaries and other Christian work both in the UK and overseas. Youth Funds There are a number of small funds to support the work of the church with children and young people. Building fund For the purpose of moving to or renting a new building.
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City Church Preston
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the year ended 31 December 2020
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2020 or 31 December 2019.
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