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 2024
City Church Preston Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Page Reference and Admlnlstratlve Detalls Rèport of the Trustees Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financlal Statements 10 to 15 Detailed Statement of Financlal Actlvitles 16
City Church Preston Reference and Administrative Details for the year ended 31 December 2024 TRUSTEES PJ Mallby TA Evenson-Appleyard SR Thirukumaran A Coupe PH Balshaw lappoinled 21112024) REGISTERED OFFICE Sl Thomas, Centre Lancaster Road North Preston Lancashire PR12SQ REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER 08522873 (England and Wales} REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1153061 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mcmillan & Co LLP Chartered Accounlanls 28 Ealon Avenue Matrix Office Park Buckshaw Village Chorley Lancashire PR7 7NA Page 1
City Church Preston Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024 The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, presenl their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 2019). OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives City Church Preston is a community of faith, hope and love that seeks lo communicate the life changing message of Jesus to Preston and beyond. The Church seeks lo 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 PLiblic'. 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 lime to lime may think fit., b} to relieve sickness and financial hardship and lo 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 lime think fit, and., cl lo advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Directors from lime to linie may think fil. In accordance wilh ils aims, the Church planned and delivered a range of activities IhroLighoul 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 allendees have been encouraged lo become active in the expression of their Christian faith through., leaching, encouragement and practical demonslralion on how lo follow the example of Jesus, in faith, word and action. Collective acts of worship. The Church also provided marriage and funeral services, with emotional and practical support provided for the family and friends of those who had passed away Aims and purposes The Iruslees are responsible for ensLiring that City Church Preston fulfils its charitable aims which are lo advance the Christian faith, relieve sickness and financial hardship, and advance education. The Iruslees confirm that they have referred lo the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and obieclives. Page 2
City Church Preston Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities and review of the year City Church Preston is a vibrant faith community cenlred on the leaching 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 lo learn more about the Christian faith. Opportunities have been provided for those who wish to gain an understanding of the basic principles of Chrislianily, together with water bapt15mal services for those who wish to be baptised. During 2024 the Church provided a network of practical support for peoplè, including pastoral support for those in challenging situations, visiting those who were sick or bereaved, and support for the elderly and disabled. Practical support and guidance were made available lo those who were in financial difficu51y, together with prayer and support for difficult situations faced by those in the church community, their colleagues, friends, family and the wider commuiiity. Pastoral connections were maintained through one-to-one sessions lo encourage and support individuals. The food market provision has been a consistent source of encouragement. with many members of the local community not only engaging with this, bul also volunteering to help run it. The trustees are grateful lo Preston City Council for grant funding which undemriles the cost of the food distributed at the maikel and allow5 a good selection of fresh food lo be made available in addition lo tinned and packet goods. Throughout the year the church leaders laught on how to live as beacons of hope in the world, picking up on Jesus, words about being the light of the world. The church was encouraged by Ps Agust Olafsson from Iceland, talking about how we can all be witnesses for Jesus. The community responded by continuing to share the faith with others and offering support lo those in need. This provided reassurance and encouragement to many. The Tamil-speaking seNice on Sunday afternoons continues to cater for those from India and Sri Lanka. This has been a great point of connection for the Asian community as the church hosted a worship event drawing contribiitions from churches across the area The Tamil chLirch is able lo network people and help Iheni sellle by providing practical and pastoral SLlPPOrt as they adjust to a new culture. A weekend away was organised to allow relationships to deepen and faith lo flourish. Intentional work is undertaken lo create spaces where the whole church comes together as one body, regardless of molher-tongue spoken. A whole church away day was held al Bleasdale Parish Hall in the Trough of Bowland. Church and local community members enjoyed challing, games, walking, food and worshipping together in a different environment. For some il was a rare opportunity to gel out of Preston, with transport provided. Thanks lo the generosity of the chLirch community everything was free of charge. Strong conneclions have been made with students and young adults through weekly activities for the 18-30s. A significant proportion of the students who connect with the church are froni abroad. We are able to provide a warm and welcoming 'home from home. environrnenl where friendship and peer support are fostered. This has positive effects on people's wellbeing. The sports hall is well used by this group. Children and young people are encouraged in their faith journey through age-appropriale conlenl I opportunities to explore questions of faith and allowed lo reach their own conclusions. The church continued lo live-stream Sunday services on the church website and YouTube, helping members who were otherwise unable to allend lo access the leaching and allowing prospective visitors lo gel a forelasle before they arrived. Church services and content were Inade widely available and advertised on the church website, notices in the building, and through social media, so that they were made available lo as many people as possible. During the year all policies and procedures are reviewed land updated where appropriatel. The safeguarding policy is updated annually lo reflect the latest advice from AOG and Thirty One Eight advisory service. Page 3
City Church Preston Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Staff and volunteers All areas of church life are essentially staffed by volunteers who freely give their lime and skills, and without whom the charity could not function. Towards the end of the year the church appointed 3 part-time Safeguarding Co-ordinator. The only other remunerated staff members during 2024 were the part-tinie Lead Pastor, and the part-lime Church Caretaker. Two leadership'away days, were undertaken in the year with the trustees and Ministry Team coming together to pray, plan, and learn together. Missions As in previous years, there continues to be a strong emphasis on missions work outside the church itself locally, around the UK and overseas. During the period the church has given £9,8841o support missions. This has included direct support to missionaries working in the UK and overseas. Church premises The church building, Sl 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. All church services and the weekly coffee morning drop-in, which allows pastoral conversations and support, and creates an accessible connection point for the local community, are held in the building. In January 2024, the main boiler was condemned. After several fundraising events, and much generous support from the church and local community, the boiler was replaced in September 2024. Partnerships The Church is committed lo playing a full part in the Assemblies of God GB fellowship, aiming to always be a net conlribLilor to this wider network. This inclLides conlribiiting to the AOG GB Relief and Development fiind, and playing an active role in the AOG Hiib and Zone meetings. Th& Senior Pastor look on responsibility for representing AOG on the United Board for military chaplaincy and is now part of AOG'S national chaplaincy team. The Church also continues lo benefit from close working with other churches and organisalions in Preston, the North Wesl and elsewhere in the UK and abroad. A successful partnership with Preston City Council and Fareshare continues to provide food markets each month. The Church continues lo pursue partnerships that are of benefit lo attendees and the wider community, such as ils partnerships with CommLinily Solutions, Diverse Church, Fusion (linking into the students al UCLan), Mercy UK and many others. Summary There has been a conlinualion of the good work carried out by the church, with many people. both young and old, being empowered and encoLiraged lo make beller life choices. For some this has been lo lake fLlrtlier 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 lo 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 lo all the volunteers who have sacrificially given of their time and finance in service lo both the church community and the wider commLinily. 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 documeiit The charity is controlled by ils governing document, the Articles of Association, and conslilules a limiled company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Page 4
City Church Preston Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Recruitment and appointment of new trustees The Iruslees of the charity are responsible for the leadership and management of the charity lo fulfil the objectives of the charity in line with Biblical principles and le9al requiiemenls. Appointment of additional trustees is the responsibility of the existing Iruslees. Rlsk management The Iruslees have a duty lo identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and lo ensure appropriate controls are in place lo provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Approved by order of the board of trustees on 5 August 2025 and signed on ils behalf by.. PJ Mallby- 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'l I report lo the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's Iruslees of the Company land also ils directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Acl'l. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required lo 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 I'lhe 2011 Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charily Commission under Section 145151 Ibl ol the 2011 Act. Iiidependent examiner's Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come lo my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2008 Act, or the accounts do not accord with those records., or the accolinls do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any reqliiremenl that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a maller considered as part of an independent examination, or 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 lo charities preparing their accoLinls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102)} I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the exarllinalion lo which allenlion should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Neil M¢Millan FCA Mcmillan & Co LLP Chartered Accountants 28 Ealon Avenue Matrix Office Park Buckshaw Village Chorley Lancashire PR7 7NA 5 August 2025 Page 6
City Church Preston Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unrestricted Restricted fund funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 53,433 32,413 85,846 62.132 Charitable activities Income 850 850 375 Investment income 868 868 234 Total 55,151 32,413 87,564 62,741 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activilies Church Activities Building Expenses Administration 25,008 17,406 11,390 5,948 62 30,956 17,468 11,390 30,706 17,187 10,664 Other 1,080 1,080 1.080 Total 64,884 6,010 60,894 59,637 NET INCOME 267 26,403 26,670 3,104 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 184,632 1,947 186,579 183,475 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 184,899 28,350 213,249 186,579 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 7
City Church Preston Balance Sheet 31 December 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unresliicled Restricted fund funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 156,471 17,308 173,779 156,782 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank 2,353 31,236 10 11,032 2,363 42,268 3,878 30,932 33,589 11,042 44,631 34,810 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 10 15,161) 15,161) {5,013) NET CURRENT ASSETS 28,428 11,042 39,470 29,797 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 184,899 28,350 213,249 186,579 NET ASSETS 184,899 28,350 213,249 186,579 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Reslricled funds 184,899 28,350 184,632 1,947 TOTAL FUNDS 213,249 186,579 The charitable company is enlilled lo exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of ils financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for lal ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charitable company as al 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 lo financial stalÈmenls, so far as applicable to the charitable company. Ib) The notes form part of these financial slalemenls Page 8 continued...
City Church Preston Balance Sheet- continued 31 December 2024 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 aulhorised for issue on 5 August 2025 and were signed on ils behalf by. PJ Maltby- 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 2024 GENERAL INFORMATION The charity is a registered Charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is St Thomas, Cenlre, Lancaster Road North, Preston, PR12SQ. There are no material uncertanlies about the charity's ability to continue. The presentational currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling 1£) The amounts in the financial slalemenls have been rounded to the nearest £1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial slalemenls of the charitable company. which is a PLiblic benefit enlily under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. S131ement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) leffeclive 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 slalemenls have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Income All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has enlillement 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 conslruclive obligation committing the charity lo that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation Gan be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related lo the category. Where costs cannot be directly atlribuled lo particular headings they have been allocated lo activities on a basis consislenl with the use of resources Governance costs Governance costs are those incurred in connection with compliance and conslilutional and slalutory requirèments. Tangible f ixed assets Depreciation is provided al the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its eslimaled useful life. Fixtures and fillings Computer equipment 150/0 on redlicing balance 33 /0 on cost Freehold property is nol depreciated. No depreciation is provided on the freehold buildings as the Trustees consider that the lives of these assets are so long and residual values, based on prices prevailing al the time of acquisition, are sufficiently high that any deprecialion would be immaterial. Taxation The charity is exempt from corporation lax on its charitable activities. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance wilh the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Iruslees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular reslricled purposes within the objects of the charity Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Page 10 continued.
City Church Preston Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Fund accounting Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes lo the financial slatemenls. Pension costs and other post-retlrement beneflts The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period lo which they relate. Financial instruments Financial instruments are recognised when the conipany becomes party lo the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial a55els, which include debtors, prepayments and bank balances, are initially measured al transaction price and are subsequently carried al cost unless the arrangement indicates otheiSe and then the asset is measLired at the present value of the future receipts discounted al a market rale of interest. Basic financial liabilities, which inclLide Creditors, accruals, bank loans and group borrowings, are initially recognised al Iransa¢lion price and are subsequently carried al cost unless the arrangement indicates otherwise and then the liability is measuréd al the present value of the future obligations discounted at a market rale of interest. INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account interest 868 234 NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI Nel incomel(expendilurel is slated after chargingl{crediling}'. 2024 2023 Independent examination Depreciation - owned assets 1,080 2,020 1,080 1,229 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS Mr PJ Mallby, a Trustee was paid £7.277 (2023. £6,930) for his services as Lead Paslor. The payment was approved by the Board of Trustees and is permilled by the constitution, which has been approved by the Charity Commission. Trustees, expenses There were no Iruslees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023. Page11 continued...
City Church Preston Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024 STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Other pension costs 12,334 555 10,162 377 12,889 10,539 The average monthly nLimber of employees during the year was as follows.. 2024 2023 staff No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unreslricled fund Reslricled funds Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 56,123 6,009 62,132 Charitable activities Income 375 375 Investment income 234 234 Total 56,732 6,009 62,741 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activitles Church Activities Building Expenses Adminislralion 23,576 16.922 10,664 7,130 265 30,706 17,187 10,664 Other 1,080 1,080 Total 52,242 7,395 59.637 NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITURE) 4,490 11.3861 3,104 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought fotward 180.142 3,333 183,475 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 184,632 1,947 188,579 Page 12 continued...
City Church Preston Notes to the Financial Statements continued for the year ended 31 December 2024 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures and fittings Freehold property Computer equipment Totals COST Al 1 January 2024 Additions 152,756 8,267 19,017 3,684 164,707 19,017 Al 31 December 2024 152,756 27,284 3,684 183,724 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2024 Charge for year 5,408 1,295 2,517 725 7,925 2,020 Al 31 December 2024 6,703 3,242 9,946 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 152,756 20,581 442 173,779 Al 31 December 2023 152,756 2,859 1,167 156,782 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Other debtors Prepayments 1,041 1,322 3,348 532 2,363 3,878 CREDITORS.. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Accruals and deferred income 5,161 5,013 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Nel movement in funds Al 31112124 Al 111124 U nrestricted fu nds General fund 184,632 267 184,899 Restricted funds Missions Youth FLinds Utilities Fund Boiler Fund Fence Fund 1,421 464 62 1,582 {3121 1621 17,195 8,000 3,003 152 17,195 8,000 1,947 26,403 28,350 TOTAL FUNDS 186,579 26,670 213,249 Page 13 continued...
City Church Preston Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued Nel movement in funds, included in the above are as follows., Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Ui)restri¢ted funds General fund 55,151 154,8841 267 Restricted funds Missions Youth Funds Ulililies Fund Boiler Fund Fence Fund 6,246 250 {4,664) 1562) {62} {7221 1,582 1312) {62} 17,195 8,000 17,917 8,000 32,413 16,010) 26,403 TOTAL FUNDS 87,564 160,8941 26,670 Comparatives for movement In funds Nel movement in funds Al 31112123 Al 111123 Unrestricted funds General fund 180,142 4,490 184,632 Restricted funds Missions Youth Funds Ulililies Flind 1,504 1,564 265 1831 (1,100) (203) 1,421 464 62 3,333 11,386} 1,947 TOTAL FUNDS 183,475 3,104 186,579 Comparative nel movement in funds, included in the above are as follows". Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted f unds General fund 56,732 152.2421 4,490 Restricted funds Missions Youth Funds Utilities Fund 5.947 {6,0301 {1,1001 12651 1831 (1,1001 {203} 62 6,009 17,3951 11,3861 TOTAL FUNDS 62,741 159,637} 3,104 Page 14 continued...
City Church Preston Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued The purpose of the reslricled 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. There are a number of small funds lo support the work of the church with children and young people. There are a number of small funds to support the church replace and maintain the boiler. Grant received from the Police & Crime Commissioner fund for new security fencing. Youth Funds Boiler Fund Fence Fund RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024 or 31 December 2023. Page 15
City Church Preston Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies General offerings Gift aid donations Gift aid Grants Donation5 11,506 38,798 11,091 13,180 11,271 13,295 32,522 9.306 7,009 85,846 62,132 Investment income Deposit account interest 868 234 Charitable activities Income charitable 850 375 Total incoming resources 87,564 62,741 EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Wages Pensions Missions Church activities Building expenses Adminislralion Travel expenses Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 12,334 556 9,884 5,538 17,468 11,390 625 2,020 10,162 377 12,189 6,599 17,187 10,684 150 1,229 59,814 58,557 Support costs Governance costs Independent examiner 1,080 1,080 Total resources expended 60,894 59.637 Net income 26,670 3,104 This page does not form part of the slalutory financial slalemenls Page 16