## **REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024**
**FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1163355**
**FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
**Other working names**
## **Trustees at 31[st] December 2024**
Faith Christian Group Faith ReadiFood B4N Bed for the Night Mr Oliver Davidson Mr Peter Horne Mrs Helen Martin Mr Edward Rundell Mrs Stella Stroud
## **GOVERNING INSTRUMENT**
Faith Christian Group is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation whose only voting members are its trustees. It was registered with the Charity Commissioners on 1[st] September 2015.
## **OBJECTS**
The objects of the CIO are, for the public benefit:
a) to advance the Christian faith in Reading and other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the charity trustees may from time to time determine; and
b) to relieve persons in conditions of need, hardship or distress or who are aged or sick in Reading and other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the charity trustees may from time to time determine.
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**FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Faith Christian Group (Reading) CIO for the year ended 31[st] December 2024.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of the CIO’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 2011 Act.
## **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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- the accounts did 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.
Mr Michael Homer AFA MIPA
Independent Examiner MCH Accountants Ltd 68 Charlton Road Andover Hampshire SP10 3JN
Dated: 9[th] September 2025
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**FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
## **TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024**
## **Organisation**
The work of Faith is primarily to fight physical poverty among the homeless, needy and deprived, and by so doing to share the gospel through love, care and practical service. This work is carried out largely by teams of volunteers as well as part-time staff, mostly Christians from many different churches in and around Reading. In 2024, Faith employed one full-time member of staff, twelve part-time staff, with three temporary members of staff in addition.
The organisation was running for some time before receiving charity status in 1996 as Faith Christian Group (Reading) Trust. Since 2015, the organisation has been a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).
## **2024 review**
Throughout 2024, Faith worked in four main, related ways to achieve its objects: “Readistreet” and “A Bed for the Night” (B4N), which work with the hungry and homeless on the streets of Reading, “ReadiFood” which provides food parcels to individuals and families who are housed, but struggling to make ends meet and Reading Pantries, which are subsidised food shops where members can choose food as well as access support at a café run alongside each site.
**“ReadiStreet”** involves the distribution of food to those on the streets. On Tuesday to Friday evenings, the support of Reading Minster Church gives us a town centre base from which we offer free sandwiches (kindly donated by Pret a Manger) and hot soup to the hungry and homeless of Reading. We have different partners who come on different evenings offering hot food. On Sundays, we run the Tea Bar to provide free hot and cold drinks, soup and rolls. A key element of this work is to demonstrate to everyone we meet on the streets that they are valued individuals.
**“ReadiFood – Reading's Food Bank”** is a service delivering food parcels to families and individuals in need throughout the town. Those in need are referred by RBC Social Services, Job Centre, Citizens Advice and other charities, agencies and churches. The average weekly number of food parcels delivered in 2024 was 170.
**A Bed for the Night** is a winter night shelter. In 2024 we opened two models; one for the rough sleepers of the town and one for refugees who were homeless. We opened seven nights a week from January to March, offering a meal, a warm space, and bed and breakfast.
**“Reading Pantries”** A pantry is a membership-based food shop where, for a nominal subscription, members can buy subsidised goods, so giving choice and support for those on low incomes or on benefits. We now have over 400 members able to use the shops. A café running alongside each shop creates a setting where members can be better supported and signposted to other partner agencies if additional help is needed.
This year saw St Barnabas, Wesley and Southcote added to the Coley Park, Whitley Wood, Pavilion and Norcot pantries.
## **Relationships**
Continuing to build on relationships is a key factor in the success of what we do. Providing some sandwiches on the street, or a food parcel via ReadiFood, can lead to befriending and further opportunities to help in many other practical ways. We have seen members helped and supported through our Pantries. On occasions, Faith has to act as an advocate for those without a voice, and the charity helped a number of individuals in this way during the year.
We have continued to work hard to maintain good working relationships with relevant agencies and organisations in the town, including the various sections of RBC such as Social Services, Housing, Homeless and Housing Pathways.
In 2024 we also grew our support from local businesses, both financial and volunteering.
## **Safeguarding**
All charities are required to report serious safeguarding incidents to the Charity Commission. There were no such incidents to report.
## **Financial summary**
We receive financial support from many individuals, accounting for 54% of giving, local churches and a number of local businesses and organisations. In addition to the direct financial donations received, a significant value of food and other items were donated to Faith for distribution to people in need. Income from churches and other organisations was notably higher than prior year 2023.
In the year ended 31 December 2024 the Charity had an overall deficit of £58,602 as the Charity continues to effectively deploy reserves in a controlled manner. Overall costs were in line with the prior year 2023 with similar levels of staffing and expenditure, with cost allocations shifting between projects, notably as activities for Bed for the Night decreased and Food Pantries increased.
Page 4
## **FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
Reserves remain high due to the carried-forward surplus from the COVID period. The forward-looking plan remains to be the effective use of these resources over a period of time rather than any immediate big outlay, considering our largest expense is ongoing staff costs.
## **THANKS**
The trustees thank all the volunteers and paid staff for all their hard work in 2024 enabling Faith to serve so many of the disadvantaged and poor in Reading. Also, the trustees would like to express their thanks to churches, organisations and individuals in and around Reading for their support. The trustees are very grateful for the generous financial support the charity receives, as without this continuing and increasing support Faith would not have been able to serve the needy in Reading.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Page 5
**FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024**
|**RECEIPTS :**
Donations from
Churches
Organisations
Grants
Individuals
Membership Subscriptions
Other including Interest
**TOTAL RECEIPTS**
**PAYMENTS :**
Food and other assistance
(Excluding donated food)
Staff Costs
Support work
Vehicle Lease Costs
Vehicle Depreciation
Vehicle Running Costs
Equipment
Training, Networking & CRBs
Office Warehouse Rent & Rates
Property Maintenance & Insurance
Utilities
Office Supplies
Computer Equipment Software
Telephone Costs
Postage
Publicity & newsletter
Professional Fees
Bank Charges
Projects & Partnerships
Governance
**TOTAL PAYMENTS**
**TOTAL SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)**
**TRANSFERS from**
**General Funds**
**BALANCE at 01 January 2024**
**BALANCE at 31 December 2024**|**Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2024**|**Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2024**|**Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2024**|**Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2024**|**Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2024**|**Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2024**|**Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2024**|||**2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**General**
**Funds**|**Street**
**work**|**Bed for**
**the Night**|**Readifood**|**Food**
**Pantries**|**CIRDIC**||**Total Funds**
**Unrestricted**
**and**
**Restricted**||**Total Funds**
**Unrestricted**
**and**
**Restricted**|
||2024
£
35,690
46,510
143,562
13,940|2024
£
145
1,549|2024
£
2,700
3,780
2,499
15|2024
£
4,120
17,752
17,500
36,663
2,750|2024
£
6,172
7,750
14,500
849
23,460
601|2024
£
500||2024
£
48,682
76,437
32,000
185,123
23,460
17,305||2023
£
28,081
31,230
10,000
205,756
6,394
6,626|
||**239,702**|**1,694**|**8,994**|**78,786**|**53,332**|**500**||**383,007**||**288,087**|
||524
116,926
287
3,733
1,619
2,447
10,440
5,879
3,208
6,034
4,709
3,580
30
2,500
1,741
561
10,250
925|6,312
17,976
485
3,400
845
205
575
1,629
709
501
349
22|2,749
9,788
11,317
16
190
319
888
532
273|8,110
66,035
341
2,400
2,700
4,168
577
32
23,299
2,524
1,782
7
109
187
24
84|35,419
36,200
666
2,659
215
3,198
1,392
983
35
119
48
121
6,868|109
4,413
12
389
169
119
1,625||53,223
251,338
13,097
2,400
6,100
8,762
5,250
3,600
39,842
11,205
6,865
6,076
5,285
3,815
30
2,668
1,741
561
18,827
925||18,282
199,441
22
2,400
3,494
9,752
10,024
992
38,245
14,080
9,114
10,127
2,335
4,450
520
2,855
4,949
246
11,475
900|
||**175,391**|**33,008**|**26,073**|**112,378**|**87,923**|**6,836**||**441,609**||**343,704**|
||**64,310**
**(122,912)**|**(31,314)**
**31,314**|**(17,079)**
**17,079**|**(33,593)**
**33,593**|**(34,590)**
**34,590**|**(6,336)**
**6,336**||**(58,602)**
**-**||**(55,617)**
**-**|
||239,878
**181,276**|-
**-**|-
**-**|-
**-**|-
**-**|-
**-**||239,878
**181,276**||295,494
**239,878**|
Page 6
**FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
## **ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|**BALANCE SHEETS as at**
**FIXED ASSETS**
**Fixed Assets at Cost or Valuation**
**Accumulated Depreciation**
**Total Fixed Assets**
**Sundry Debtors**
**Prepayments**
**Cash at bank and in hand**
**Current Assets**
**Creditors due within a year**
**Creditors due after a year**
**NET ASSETS**
**Street Work Restricted Fund**
**B4N Restricted Fund**
**Readifood Restricted Fund**
**Food Pantries Restricted Fund**
**CIRDIC Restricted Fund**
**General Fund**
**CHARITY FUNDS**
**Taxation and social security**
**Deferred Income**
**Other creditors**|45,823
41,417
(17,884)
(19,398)
27,939
22,019
5,541
3,788
13,752
12,129
208,283
244,101
227,577
260,018
(2,636)
(3,100)
(31,703)
-
(3,500)
(2,659)
(37,839)
(5,759)
(36,400)
(36,400)
153,337
217,859
**181,276**
**239,878**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
181,276
239,878
**181,276**
**239,878**
**31 December 2024**
**31 December 2023**
**£**
**£**|45,823
41,417
(17,884)
(19,398)
27,939
22,019
5,541
3,788
13,752
12,129
208,283
244,101
227,577
260,018
(2,636)
(3,100)
(31,703)
-
(3,500)
(2,659)
(37,839)
(5,759)
(36,400)
(36,400)
153,337
217,859
**181,276**
**239,878**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
181,276
239,878
**181,276**
**239,878**
**31 December 2024**
**31 December 2023**
**£**
**£**|45,823
41,417
(17,884)
(19,398)
27,939
22,019
5,541
3,788
13,752
12,129
208,283
244,101
227,577
260,018
(2,636)
(3,100)
(31,703)
-
(3,500)
(2,659)
(37,839)
(5,759)
(36,400)
(36,400)
153,337
217,859
**181,276**
**239,878**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
181,276
239,878
**181,276**
**239,878**
**31 December 2024**
**31 December 2023**
**£**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
|||||
||||**239,878**|
||||-
-
-
-
-
239,878|
||||**239,878**|
## **TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
The trustees have considered the best approach to present the accounts to give a fair view of the charity's financial results for the calendar year ended 31 December 2024 and to allow proper comparisons with the results in 2023.
Approved by the Trustees on and
Signed on their behalf by Trustee
Trustee
Page 7
## **FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
## **NOTES to the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024**
## **Note 1 Basis of preparation**
## **1.1 Basis of accounting**
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
The accounts 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 with the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
## **1.2 Going concern**
The accounts are prepared on a "going concern" basis. The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
## **Note 2 Accounting Policies**
The Accounting Policies, used and applied consistently throughout the period, are set out below. The Trustees have reviewed the other accounting policies covered by the Financial Reporting Standard and consider they are not applicable to this period's accounts.
## **2.1 Income recognition**
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, the monetary value can be measured and it is more likely than not that the charity will receive the resources.
## **2.2 Offsetting**
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS 102.
## **2.3 Grants**
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met. In the case of performance-related grants, income is only recognised when the performance-related conditions are met. The charity has received a local government grant in the reporting period.
## **2.4 Tax reclaims on donations and gifts**
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
## **2.5 Donated food, goods and services and volunteer help**
The value of any donated food, goods and services and volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
## **2.6 Liability recognition**
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
## **2.7 Redundancy cost**
The charity made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.
## **2.8 Deferred income**
No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts.
## **2.9 Tangible fixed assets for use by charity**
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or valuation. The depreciation rates and methods used are disclosed in Note 6.
Page 8
## **FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
## **2.10 Debtors**
Debtors and loans receivable are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
## **2.11 Creditors**
The charity's creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.
## **2.12 Volunteer Help**
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
## **Note 3 Restricted Funds**
## **3.1 Restricted Funds for the year ended 31st December 2024**
|**Balances at 31 December 2023**
2024 Donations from
Churches
Organisations
Grants
Individuals
Membership Subscriptions
Other including Interest
**Total Receipts**
Contribution towards Staff Costs
Property Costs
Vehicle Costs
Other Costs
**Total Payments**
**BALANCES at 31 December 2024**|**Street Work**|**Bed for the**
**Night "B4N"**|**Readifood**|**Food**
**Pantries**|**CIRDIC**||**Total**
**Restricted**
**Funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||£
**-**|£
**-**|£
£
£
**-**
**-**
**-**||||£
**-**|
||145
1,549|2,700
3,780
2,499
15|4,120
17,752
17,500
36,663
2,750|6,172
7,750
14,500
849
23,460
601|500||12,992
29,927
32,000
41,560
23,460
3,366|
||**1,694**|**8,994**|**78,786**|**53,332**|**500**||**143,306**|
||1,694|8,994
0|50,556
21,134
7,095
(0)|36,200
5,572
11,559|500||97,945
26,707
7,095
11,559|
||**1,694**|**8,994**|**78,786**|**53,332**|**500**||**143,306**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**||**-**|
## **3.2 Restricted Funds Details**
The **Street Work Restricted Fund** represents donations to support the distribution of food and drink to those on the streets.
The **Bed for the Night Restricted Fund** - funds donated towards the cost of running the night shelter or drop-in Hub. Preparation and training costs can be incurred in the prior year in preparation for the "B4N" in the following winter.
The **Readifood Restricted Fund** represents funds donated specifically for use for the food parcel service. This year, the funds were used for expenses directly related to Readifood including a contribution to salaries for those working for Readifood.
The **Food Pantries Restricted Fund** represents donations to support the provision of food distribution through Food Pantries.
The CIRDIC Restricted Fund represents donations to support the collaboration with CIRDIC in providing a drop-in Hub.
## **3.3 Unrestricted Funds Details**
The **General Fund** represents income donated which is not given for a restricted purpose. In the Income and Expenditure Statement any costs that cannot be readily allocated or apportioned to the activities of the Streetwork, Bed for the Night, Readifood or Food Pantry are shown under General Funds. Any deficits on the activities are funded by transfers from the General Fund.
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## **FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
## **Note 4 Staff Costs and Numbers**
|Gross Wages and Salaries
Employer's National Insurance Costs
(net of Employment Allowance)
Pension Contributions
Number of employees
Full Time
Part-time
Temporary - Part time|**CIO**
**2024**
**£**
227,695
14,328
(5,000)
14,315
**251,338**
1
12
3
**16**|**CIO**
**2023**
**£**
184,117
13,318
(5,000)
7,006|
|---|---|---|
|||**199,441**|
|||1
10
3|
|||**14**|
No employees received employee benefits for the reporting periods of more than £60,000 per annum.
## **Note 5 Pension Scheme**
The Charity operates a Defined Contribution scheme, and contributions are charged to the SOFA as incurred. The charity enrols all employees that meet the criteria for automatic enrolment and pays employers contributions.
## **Note 6 Tangible fixed assets**
|**Cost or Valuation**
Additions
Disposals
**Depreciation**
Depreciation
Disposals
**Net book value**
At the beginning of the year
At end of the year
At the beginning of the year
At end of the year|**2024**
**2024**
**Motor**
**Vehicle**
**Fixtures &**
**Fittings**
**£**
**£**
26,094
15,323
13,500
-
(9,094)
-|**2024**
**Total**
**£**
41,417
13,500
(9,094)||**2023**
**2023**
**Motor**
**Vehicle**
**Fixtures &**
**Fittings**
**£**
**£**
26,094
15,323
-
-
-
-|**2023**
**Total**
**£**
41,417
-
-|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||30,500
15,323|45,823||26,094
15,323|41,417|
||16,194
3,204
6,100
1,480
(9,094)
-|19,398
7,580
(9,094)||12,700
1,724
3,494
1,480
-|14,424
4,974
-|
||13,200
4,684|17,884||16,194
3,204|19,398|
|||||||
||17,300
10,639|27,939||9,900
12,119|22,019|
Basis of depreciation – straight line
The other fixed assets acquired from Faith Trust with individual values of less than £1,000 are summarised below:
Estimated original value Office furniture and 3,000 equipment
## **Note 7 Creditors falling due after one year**
On 31 March 2016, the FAITH Christian Group rented 33 Boulton Road under a Full Repairing and Insuring lease. In March 2021 the lease was extended for 5 years. The Trustees resolved to provide for the Full Repairing obligation by providing for the repairs through the life of the lease. In 2023 the provision was reviewed and assessed reasonable to hold at £36,400 going forward.
Page 10
## **FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO**
## **Note 8 Payments to Trustees**
No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period other than purchases made on behalf of the charity for which a trustee has been reimbursed. No other material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee, or any person connected with them.
## **Note 9 Fees for examination of the accounts**
Fees towards independent examination of £925 were accrued for in 2025 (2024 fees £900).
Page 11