REGISTERED NUMBER: 1159523
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
Oldfield Advisory LLP Santis House Curriers Close Coventry CV4 8AW
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative information | 2 |
| Report of the Trustees | 3 - 8 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 9 |
| Charity statement of financial activities | 10 |
| Charity balance sheet | 11 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 12-16 |
Page 2
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
| CHARITY NAME: | Stafford Gospel Hall Trust |
|---|---|
| REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: | 1159523 |
| TRUSTEES: | Mr Gerrard Gates |
| Mr Robin McMullan | |
| Mr Adrian Pittock | |
| Mr Grant Godwin | |
| Mr Keith Brewer (Chair) | |
| TREASURER: | Mr Keith Brewer |
| PRINCIPAL ADDRESS: | 396 Eccleshall Road |
| Stafford | |
| Staffordshire | |
| ST16 1JW | |
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: | Kerry Taylor |
| Oldfield Advisory LLP | |
| Santis House | |
| Curriers Close | |
| Coventry | |
| CV4 8AW | |
| ACCOUNTANT: | Oldfield Advisory LLP |
| Santis House | |
| Curriers Close | |
| Coventry | |
| CV4 8AW | |
| BANKERS: | National Westminster Bank Plc |
| 41 Greengate Street | |
| Stafford | |
| Staffordshire | |
| ST16 2JA |
Page 3
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
The Trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 05 April 2022. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page fourteen and comply with the Trust Deed and applicable law.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The Stafford Gospel Hall Trust is constituted by a Deed of Trust dated 25 March 1983 amended by various deeds and most recently amended by a deed of variation on 08 August 2014. The Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 08 December 2014 under Charity Registration Number: 1159523.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The Trustees who have served during the year and since the year end are set out on page 2. None of the Trustees, nor any person connected with them, received any remuneration or expenses from the Charity in the year ended 05 April 2022 (2021: £nil).
The Trust operates 4 Gospel halls and Trustees are chosen from among the regular congregation of the halls. New Trustees are nominated by the existing Trustees or by the congregation and must be appointed by unanimous resolution of the congregation. They are selected according to their skills and experience and are expected to use both in furthering the objects of the Charity. Checks are made to ensure the Trustees’ eligibility to act and incoming Trustees are made aware of their responsibilities by the existing Trustees, who ensure that new Trustees read the Trust Deed and relevant Charity Commission guidance.
Wider network
The Trustees maintain informal links with Trustees of similar Trusts with a view to pooling experience considered useful in pursuing the objects of the Trust. The Trust has connections with Chase Gospel Hall Trust, with which it shares members of its congregation, and pays some of this Trust's expenses on its behalf.
Risk management
The Trustees have identified and reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and confirm that they have established systems to manage and mitigate those risks.
Page 4
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST
YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The charitable purposes of the Charity are the advancement of the Christian religion for the public benefit, including by the carrying on of the service of God in accordance with the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible as followed by those Christians forming part of the world-wide fellowship known as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (the “Brethren”) and any other charitable purposes connected with Brethren. The core doctrine of the Brethren and proper practices in furtherance of certain aspects of doctrine are summarised in two schedules to the Trust Deed.
Public benefit
The trustees of Stafford Gospel Hall Trust confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance to charities on public benefit.
Details of public benefit activities carried out by Stafford Gospel Hall Trust can be found in the separate appendix to this report.
Plans for future periods
With the commencement of lockdown restrictions in the UK the trust ceased using the gospel halls it operates. During the financial year, restrictions were eased sufficiently to allow the congregation to use the gospel halls for the Lord's Supper (Communion). The use of the rooms was conducted in a manner which always complied with the government guidance, and the trust intends to continue using the rooms when it is safe to do so. The trustees do not consider that the Covid-19 pandemic will have any effect on the ability of the trust to continue as a going concern.
Main activities
The Trust provides and maintains Gospel halls where religious meetings are held by the local Brethren community. Details of the origins, teachings and way of life of the Brethren can be found on the website - www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org and in the schedules to the Trust Deed.
The trustees have also established an Emergency Needs fund for the duration of the current pandemic and any resultant economic downturn. This is providing limited financial assistance by the way of grocery vouchers to households, who have experienced a recent and significant decrease in income due to the pandemic, such that it is likely to impact on the health and/or welfare of members of the household. The trust has appointed a Local Welfare Panel to manage the application process and to administer the vouchers to qualifying applicants.
Page 5
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
Spreading the Gospel message and the life of a Christian
The Gospel halls are a base from which the regular congregation and others who attend the meetings are encouraged to spread the Christian Gospel, in word and deed.
Members of the congregation participate in a programme of street preaching and Gospel tracts are provided free of charge by the Charity to such preachers to be handed out to interested members of the public.
In carrying out this work, the congregation considers itself to be living out its faith in practice, as particularly exemplified in the following extract from the schedule to the Trust Deed on living a Christian life:
-
We seek and are encouraged to live exemplary lives in all our relationships with others in the wider community (including former Brethren), in accordance with the teachings of Holy Scripture (1 Tim 2:2).
-
We regularly go out from our homes to preach on the streets, to distribute Christian literature and engage with the wider community (including former Brethren) in order to present eternal salvation, available to all men by faith in Jesus Christ. (2 Tim 4:2).
-
We seek as members of the public to lead Christian lives as husbands and wives, parents, children, employers, employees and neighbours. (Col 3:22-25, Col 4:1).
-
The preservation and protection of the family unit is fundamental and children are prized as a blessing from God. (Psalm 127:3-5). The elderly are valued members of the community, for whom both their family and the wider community are expected to care.
-
Holy Scripture commands us to be good neighbours to others, and deal with all other people (including former Brethren) openly, honestly and fairly and consistent with these principles, we should give our time, talents and money to assist those in need in the wider community, in so far as reasonable given our abilities and our available resources. (Matt 7:12, Matt 22:39, Eph 4:28).
Meetings
Meetings held at the Gospel halls include the Lord's Supper (Communion), Gospel preachings, Bible readings and Bible addresses. There is a structured weekly schedule of meetings and, depending on the particular meeting, between 30 and 300 people normally attend these occasions.
The meetings are attended by the regular congregation and most are open to other properly disposed visitors. The notice board outside the Hall welcomes visitors and displays the times of Gospel preachings, along with a telephone number for those seeking further information or help. Gospel tracts, which are distributed by street preachers, also display this information.
Bibles and an extensive range of other Christian reading material are on display at the halls and visitors are free to help themselves.
Page 6
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST
YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
The normal activities of the Trust were maintained throughout the year. All of the Gospel Halls under the control of the Trust were used throughout the year to further its charitable objectives.
The congregation is kept regularly informed as to particular needs for funds and other relevant matters.
Funding
Funding is sought through gifts from the congregation and Gift Aid is claimed on eligible donations. Funding is sometimes received from other charitable trusts with complementary objectives.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
In the year ended 05 April 2022 the Trust had a surplus of incoming resources over resources expended. Total voluntary income received this year was £89,976 compared to £72,961 in the previous year.
Reserves policy
The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments. The Trustees aim for the Charity to hold approximately £25,000 in a current account to meet the day to day expenses, plus an allowance for any urgent repairs and capital expenses. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily although the Trustees are accumulating reserves for the ongoing building works. Free reserves accumulated in excess of the minimum will be used at the discretion of the Trustees for the strategic development of Stafford Gospel Hall Trust. The Trustees aim to ensure that the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure by raising a funds appeal.
Free reserves at the year end were £556,325 (2021: £644,133)
Page 7
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
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).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the trust deed 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 charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. All transactions have been reviewed and approved by two trustees.
On behalf of the board:
Mr Keith Brewer
Date
Page 8
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Stafford Gospel Hall Trust for the year ended 5 April 2022.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
BASIS OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view ' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
The accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Kerry Taylor Oldfield Advisory LLP Santis House Curriers Close Coventry CV4 8AW
Page 9
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total funds | Total funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2022 | 2021 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments from: | ||||||
| Donations and legacies: | ||||||
| Non Gift Aid Collections | - | - | - | - | 40 | |
| Gift Aid Collections | - | - | - | - | 100 | |
| Contributions from the congregation | 38,102 | 1,492 | - | 39,594 | 39,013 | |
| Gift Aid donations | - | - | 5,815 | 5,815 | 7,030 | |
| Income tax refunds | 1,454 | - | - | 1,454 | 1,988 | |
| Payroll giving | - | - | 3,640 | 3,640 | 4,860 | |
| Legacies | 31,023 | 31,023 | - | |||
| Non Gift Aid Donations | - | - | 8,450 | 8,450 | 19,930 | |
| Investments: | ||||||
| Bank interest | 39 | - | - | 39 | 156 | |
| Other | ||||||
| Other interest and income | 127 | - | - | 127 | 44 | |
| Total | 70,745 | 1,492 | 17,905 | 90,142 | 73,161 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||||||
| Charitable activities | ||||||
| Running meeting rooms | 5 | 44,204 | - | 1,745 | 45,949 | 38,101 |
| Cost of donated services | 4 | 6,501 | - | - | 6,501 | 5,648 |
| Congregation support | - | 3,825 | - | 3,825 | 3,450 | |
| Total | 50,705 | 3,825 | 1,745 | 56,275 | 47,199 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 20,040 | (2,333) | 16,160 | 33,867 | 25,962 | |
| Net movement in funds | 20,040 | (2,333) | 16,160 | 33,867 | 25,962 | |
| Transfer between funds | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||||
| Total funds bought forward | 2,292,836 | 2,333 | 938,626 | 3,233,795 | 3,207,834 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 8 | 2,312,876 | - | 954,786 | 3,267,662 | 3,233,796 |
The notes on pages 11 to 14 form part of these financial statements. All of the above activities are classed as continuing and there are no gains and losses other than those included above.
Page 10
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 05 APRIL 2022
| Notes | 2022 | 2021 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed Assets | |||||
| Tangible assets | 6 | 1,756,551 | 1,651,036 | ||
| Current Assets | |||||
| Loan Out - Greenmere Ltd | 84,586 | 118,235 | |||
| Gift aid due | 1,454 | 356 | |||
| Prepayments | 1,372 | 902 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 1,424,728 | 1,464,211 | |||
| 1,512,140 | 1,583,704 | ||||
| Current liabilities | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year: | |||||
| Accruals and deferred income | 1,029 | 945 | |||
| 945 | |||||
| Net current assets | 1,511,111 | 1,582,759 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 3,267,662 | 3,233,795 | |||
| Net Assets | 3,267,662 | 3,233,795 | |||
| Funds | 7 | ||||
| Restricted funds | 954,786 | 938,626 | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 2,312,876 | 2,295,169 | |||
| Total funds | 3,267,662 | 3,233,795 |
The unaudited financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustee of Stafford Gospel Hall Trust on …………………..……….and were signed on its behalf by
Mr Keith Brewer
The notes on pages 11 to 14 form part of these financial statements
Page 11
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, and incorporating update bulletins 1 and 2, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The functional currency of the charity is sterling (£).
The Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
1.2 Incoming resources
Donations are recognised in the year in which there is entitlement and probability of receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future year. Gift aid is added to the value of the donation to which it relates.
Donated services are recognised as income and expenditure in the financial statements when organisations or individuals offer their services and support pro bono. The value of these donated services to Stafford Gospel Hall Trust is considered to be equal to market value which would be paid were the service formally procured. This includes services paid for by other trusts.
Investment income is accounted for on a receivable basis.
1.3 Resources expended
Expenditure is included on an accruals basis. Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Charitable activities comprise those costs directly attributable to the fulfilment of the charitable objects.
1.4 Governance and support costs
Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and costs related to statutory requirements. Governance and support costs are allocated to charitable activities on the basis of capacity used.
1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets (costing more than £100) are stated at cost less depreciation. Freehold land is not depreciated. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:
Freehold buildings 2% straight line Property improvements 2% straight line Fixtures and Fittings 10% reducing balance
1.6 Taxation
The Trust is a registered charity and is not liable to United Kingdom income or corporation tax on charitable activities, provided income falls within the charitable exemptions and is spent on charitable purposes.
1.7 Funds
The general unrestricted fund is free for the Trustees to use for any purposes in furtherance of the trust’s charitable objects.
Restricted funds can only be used for the purpose for which funds were given, such funds arise from: A) Donations received for a specific purpose
B) Activities within the trading subsidiary, Greenmere Ltd.
The restricted funds held are currently being held for a potential new hall at Hixon.
1.8 Going concern
The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
1.9 Significant estimates and judgements
The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.
The trustees do not consider that the Covid-19 pandemic will have any effect on the ability of the trust to continue as a going concern.
2. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
No Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits from an employment with the charity and no Trustees were reimbursed for expenses (2021: None).
- WAGES AND SALARIES
Page 12
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
There are no employees (2021: none).
Page 13
STAFFORD GOSPEL HALL TRUST NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2022
| 4. DONATED SERVICES 5. RESOURCES EXPENDED Direct costs Repairs and maintenance Insurance Light and heat Telephone Congregation support Depreciation and loss on disposals Legal and professional charges Support costs Public Outreach expenses Governance Chase Gospel Hall Trust |
Year ended 05 April 2022 £ 6,501 Meeting rooms £ 4,940 1,503 8,614 1,113 - 26,392 2,523 864 45,949 |
Year ended 05 April 2021 £ 5,648 Other charitable activities £ - - - - 3,825 - - - 3,825 |
Year ended 05 April 2022 £ 4,940 1,503 8,614 1,113 3,825 26,392 2,523 - 864 49,774 |
Year ended 05 April 2021 £ 3,543 838 4,246 773 3,450 25,262 2,454 - 985 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41,551 |
Governance costs include £200 (2021: £200) in respect of independent examiner’s fees.
6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 6 April 2021 Additions At 05 April 2022 Depreciation At 6 April 2021 Charge for the year At 05 April 2022 Net book value At 05 April 2022 At 6 April 2021 At 6 April 2021 Additions At 05 April 2022 Depreciation At 6 April 2021 Charge for the year At 05 April 2022 Net book value At 05 April 2022 At 6 April 2021 |
Freehold land & buildings - Eccleshall Road £ 300,000 - 300,000 28,000 4,000 32,000 268,000 272,000 Property improvements - Baswich Lane £ 280,215 730 280,945 15,771 5,480 21,251 259,694 264,444 |
Freehold land & buildings - Acton Gate £ 287,180 - 287,180 26,804 3,829 30,633 256,547 260,376 Property improvements - Hixon £ 179,530 131,177 310,707 10,654 4,996 15,650 295,057 168,876 |
Freehold land - Baswich Lane £ 36,661 - 36,661 - - - 36,661 36,661 Fixtures and Fittings £ 34,034 - 34,034 12,516 2,152 14,668 19,366 21,518 |
Freehold land - Hixon £ 355,479 - 355,479 - - - 355,479 355,479 Computer Equipment £ 546 - 546 179 37 216 330 367 |
Property improvements - Acton Gate £ 287,188 - 287,188 23,054 5,744 28,798 258,390 264,134 Total £ 1,768,540 131,907 1,900,447 117,504 26,392 143,896 1,756,551 1,651,036 |
Property improvements Eccleshall Road £ 7,707 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,707 | ||||||
| 526 154 |
||||||
| 680 | ||||||
| 7,027 | ||||||
| 7,181 | ||||||
| Land Registry titles of the Rooms above are: | Eccleshall Road | SF541897 |
|---|---|---|
| Baswich | SF615852 | |
| Hixon | SF498322 |
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