The Methodist Church Fdzakeiley Kenslngton Llnacre Mlsslon Moor Lane (Wlth Class at Blrchdale Rd Waterloo) Old Roan St Mark's Netherton West Deyby North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Report of the Trustees and Financial Statement Year ended 31 August 2024 Registered Charity No 1163418 PagÈ 1 0137
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Introduction Welcome lo the first Annual Trustees Report of the North Liverpool and South Seflon Methodist Circuit following the amalgamation of the Liverpool {North Central) Circuit, Liverpool (Northl Circuit and the Crosby Circuit (excluding Formby Church), from 1 September 2023. Objective5 and activities The aim of The Methodist Church in Greal Britain is to fulfil its calling, which is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Dale of Ur)ion (1932> the advancement of: a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church., b} Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church- c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church., dl Any purpose for the time being of any charily being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church. The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services. Activities The Circuit produces a quarterly preaching plan to ensure regular acts of worship take place at each of the eight churches in the Circuit's geographical area. These are led by the Circuit's ordained ministers, including a supernumerary presbyter and presbyter without appointment,. local preachers., visiting ministers from other Circuits and denominations and Worship Leaders. Prior to the amalgamation the three Circuits had the following projects in place and the newly appointed Circuit Trustees agreed that these should continue for this year. Liverpool (North Central) Circuit's Community Intergenerational project ('ClP"), based at County Hub, continues to focus primarily upon addressing isolation and loneliness with both adults and older adults, young families with small children and the integration of these component communities. This focus includes school holiday provision for local families wilh school-aged children. Our activities continue to encourage socialisation whilst fostering interpersonal support networks. Crosby Circuit's employment of a lay worker to work with the congregation at Moor Lane Church continues to provide support for church members. Since March 2022 the former Blundellsands Methodist Church has been used as a Welcome Centre for Ukrainians displaced by the war and provides practical help and support. Page 2 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Liverpool (North) Circuit's employment of a Family and Young Persons, worker to work within the churches of the Circuit continues to develop. A newsletter is produced every quarter to share good news stories from each of our churches. The Circuit supports local preachers and worship leaders by providing resources for leading worship. Worship in June was based around the Bible Month resources produced by the Methodist Church. Public Benefit We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit Achievements and performance stationing in 202312024 was successful and the Circuil was appointed a presbyter, The Rev Jemima Strain, from 1st September 2024. We lebrate the various ways in which our churches and Circuit hubs serve their communities through support for= foodbanks,. toddler groups,. work amongst young people- work of uniformed organisations,. warm spaces. community pantry and generosity in providing suitable premises for community use. The work with Children and Families continues to be a particular focus for the Circuit as we believe we are fulfilling a need within the communities we serve in providing essential outreach to children and families. The Circuit has allocated resources from reserves accordingly. The Circuit gave a grant towards helping young people access 3Generate, an event for children and young people, in the NEC, Birmingham. Page 3 of37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Financial Review At the beginning of the year, Crosby Methodist Circuit, Liverpool (North) Methodist Circuit (Charity no 1195942) and Liverpool (North Central} Methodist Circuit (Charity no 1163418) amalgamated to become North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit. This has been accounted for under SORP 27 "Charity Mergers with the comparative figures being the combined income and expenditure, previously reported under the three individual Circuits. The overall impact on the 2023 restated figures was to show a net deficit in funds of £757,857., being made up of £515,761 from Crosby Methodist Circuit, £215,370 from Liverpool North) Methodist Circuit and £26,726 from Liverpool (North Central) Methodist Circuit. Prior year adjustments of £518,634 were made to the accounts to Crosby Methodist Circuit to reflect the transfer of property and cash to the Southport Circuit, in accordance with the decision of Formby Church to transfer to the Soulhport Circuit at 31 August 2023. The amalgamated Circuit has continued to sustain and support the work of churches and mission projects in each of the former Circuits with all projects, staff, properties and ongoing commitments being maintained. On amalgamation of the Circuits, total capital funds were £3,437k, being General Fund (Unrestricted) of £2,340k (including property at valuation of £2,230k)- Circuit Model Trust funds of £948k' Designated property funds of £64k (Blundellsands and County Hub buildings in use by UWC and CIP),. Restricted funds of £58k (Various funds including those for UWC, CIP and other specific mission funds) and Endowment funds of £27k (Various restricted endowments held by TMCP). During the year the Circuit received income of £351 k {2022-23.' £720k) and dispersed £691 k {2022-23 £1,766k). The resulting deficit of income was reduced by a net gain of £39k (2022-23.. £288k) on the properties, restricted reserves and endowments to produce a net deficit of income of £301 k (2022-23- of £758k). Total reseNes carried forward were £3,136k (2022-23.. £3,437k). The assessments received in the year amounted to £105,239 (2022-23.. £140,588). Total assessments were lower following transfer of Formby Melhodist Church to the Southport Circuit at August 2023. Donations received are primarily for the work of the UWC and CIP projects. Grants received are for the work of UWC projects. Income from properties are lettings received from community and charitable tenants of the County Hub premises and from a private tenancy agreement in respect of the manse al Brenda Crescent, Thornton. Property income is lower following the transfer of the commercially let manse property to the Southport Circuit at August 2023. The unrestricted general account shows costs in line with budget. Stipend expenditure and lay employee rates have increased each financial year in line with conference approved increases. It is Circuit policy that all lay staff in the Circuit are paid at or above the real living wage as calculated by the Living Wage foundation. Pagé 4 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 In advance of the arrival of an incoming Minister from 1 September 2024, significant maintenance and refurbishment work of £16,217 was carried out on the Brenood Avenue manse. In accordance with a policy agreed by the former Liverpool (North Central} Circuit trustees, to commit an amount of £120,000 to cover the ongoing work of the CIP for two years until August 2025, the net deficit on the designated County Hub Property accounts and the restricted Community Intergenerational Project are transferred to general account. For 2023124 this amount was £40,931. The Circuit has agreed to sell manse properties to fund the purchase of a manse required for an incoming Superintendent minister in September 2025. Based on the high level of investment and property reserves, despite the level of deficit, the trustees of the Circuit have every reason to believe that the Circuit is a going concem. The Circuit has adequale reseNes to cover any shortfall in anlicipated income. There are no subsidiary undertakings. Trustees do not foresee any other factors that will significantly affect the financial performance. 4.2 Reserves level and policy The Circuit Reserves policy relates to our general (unrestricted) funds which are freely available to be used for any or all of the purposes of the Circuit. The aims are.. to secure and sustain the Circuit's viability and future. to give reassurance to the general public that the Circuit, which is a charity, intends to use all of the money coming into its care for the purposes of the charity. The reserves held at the end of the year were as follows.. Unrestricted funds General Fund Circuit Model Trust Fund UWC Designated Property Fund Total Unrestncted funds 1,981,385 1,012,555 3.040,294 Restricted funds UWC General Fund UWC "Moving On" Fund CIP General Fund CIP Projects Various Mission Funds (TMCP) Total Restricted funds 6,288 7,582 1,283 8,709 67,345 Total endowment funds Total funds 3 136 563 Page 5 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodtst Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Available Reseyves Total unrestricted funds Less.. invesled in properties 3,040,294 1905 400 1,134,894 Less: Designated Funds UWC Designated Property Fund 46,354 Committed Funds General Budget Deficit for 2024125 CMTF Levy 2024125 CIP Project 2024125 °Ordained Ministry" Deficit for 2025126 to 2029130 CMTF Grant to West Derby Methodist Church (available to drawdown on condition to August 20251 127,250 67,192 60,000 360,000 649.442 Uncommitted reserves, readily available 439 098 There are no other funds materially in deficit. All investment funds are separately invested either with CFB or TMCP. No money is directly invested in property, securities or other forms of investment. The minimum policy level of the readily available part of the General Fund is such as to pay for.. three months, payroll costs and closing costs of staff redundancies three months administration and staff expense costs three months property maintenance costs manse repair reserve County Hub repair reserve Blundellsands repair reserve Other properties repair reserve three months connexional and district assessment - £65k £ 7k £15k £40k - £25k - £25k £10k £13k At August 2025 this sum amounted to £200k against actual readily available reserves of £439k as stated above. Actual readily available reserves are surplus to policy commitments at the year-end. 4.3 Plans for 2024125 and beyond A budget has been set with financial plans for the Circuit to maintain and support existing ministry and mission work whilst a review and analysis of priorities and policy takes place. A general fund budget deficit of £127,250 is agreed to be covered from reserves. The trustees of the former Liverpool (North Central) Circuit has previously approved the use of reserves to fund the CIP until August 2025. The Circuit trustees are reviewing mission opportunities and lay mission staff requirements from September 2025. The Circuit has committed to a five-year appointment for the Revd Jemima Strain (0.75 time until August 202gi and to a five-year appointment for a Superintendent minister (until August 2030). This is estimated to be an "Ordained Ministry" commitment, totalling £360,000 across the five years until 2030. Page 6 of 37
North Liverpool and South Séfton Methodist Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Many churches are suffering from the impact of declining membership and increased costs and il is believed that the current level of assessments are the maximum achievable for the immediate years ahead. Following wide ranging and detailed discussions took place as regards to individual church accounts and to a variety of methods for calculation of assessments. A formulaic method for calculation of annual Church assessments is now agreed being 500/0 based on total income of churches and 500k based on membership with a cap, based on CPIH, on any increase to ensure that no church is placed in a position of hardship. The purchase cost of a new manse, to be available from September 2025, will be covered from the sale of existing property assets and does not impact this reserves policy. Page7d37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Structure, governance and management The governing document for the Circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976). Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD}. ASI Governance Documents can be found online at the Methodist Church of Great Britain Website. Day to day management of the Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team a5ong with the Local Preachers, Meeting and the Circuit Meeting. The Circuil is part of the Liverpool Methodist District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following churches are linked to the Circuit=_ Fazakerley Methodist Church., Kensington Methodist Church,. Linacre Methodist Mission,. Moor Lane Methodist Church (with a class at Birchdale Road Methodist Church)., Old Roan Methodist Church- St. Marks Methodist Church. West Derby Melhodist Church. The Liverpool District and 4 other districts are merging to become the North West England District with effect from 1st September 2024 and our new Circuit number will be 1126. We employ part-time Circuit Administrators who manage the Circuit's administration, as well as keeping minutes of meetings. Management There must be a minimum of two Circuit Meetings per year (SO 514{1)), usually in September and March. Additional meetings can be held any time to allow for a more extended discussion of the life of the circuit. The Circuit Leadership Team, appointed by the Circuit Meeting, meets regularly throughout the year and is authorised to act on behalf of the Circuit Meeting in certain matters. The Circuit Meeting retains responsibility for setting the mission priorities of the Circuit, the overall strategy to deliver those priorities, the invitation of ministers, the oversight of local churches, the admission of people to the office of Local Preacher, and decisions on formal explorations of calls to ministry and candidates for the ordained ministry. The Leadership Team is assisted in the task of financial oversight by the Circuit Treasurer. The Methodist Church appoints a minister to be the Superintendent Minister of the Circuit, whose duties are set out in the Standing Orders of the Church. Risk The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Trustees with professional advice taken as required. There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded. Risks are managed by being aware of them, quantifying their impact not only in cost terms but in possible reputational or structural damage, laying Ihem off through an insurer and minimising them by not taking them or by setting up control systems that timeously report any significant change in the risk. Incotne and Expendilure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves. Safeguarding Every person has a valLFe and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God's own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God's re~creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles.. Page 8 of37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable the eslablishing of safe, caring Communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse. We will carefully select ancs train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment prsnciples, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes. We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pasloral care. We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust. We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult. In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice. The Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy,. government legislation, guidance and safe practice. The Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable. Page 9 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Reference and administrative details Full Name of Charity: North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number.. 1163418 Date of registration.. 1 September 2023 (Date of first registration of the originating charity was 4 September 2015> Main communication address.. Circuit Office, Linacre Methodist Mission, Linacre Road, Litherland, Liverpool, L218NS. Name of treasurer acted as the principal officer overseeing the day-to-day financlal management and accounting for the Circuit during the year: David Smith Independent Examiner: John Keith Taylor, Bcom FCA Investment managers and custodian trustees Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, Central Buildings, Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JQ Investment Bankers: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church 9, Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4PE Day-to-day banking: CAF Bank Ltd, 25, Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling, ME19 4JQ Solicitor: Sintons LLP, The Cube, Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6DB Charity Trustees The members of the North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of Circuit office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches. Full membership is shown below.. Circuit Ministsrs (SO 510 (i)) The Revd lan Hu The Revd Neil Stubbens The Revd Jemima Strain (from September 2024) Circuit Stewards Mr David Evans Mrs Noma Evans Mrs Margaret Langton Mr Alan Lewis Mrs Angela McAvoy (until August 2024) Mr David Smith Mr Steve Twist Supernumeraries (SO 510 (ii)) The Revd Susan Edwards The Revd Helen Kirkup Local Lay Pastor (SO 510 (iii)) Mrs Carol Shanks (until August 2024) Secretary of the meeting (SO 510 (v)) Mr Richard Stevens (until August 2024) Page 10of37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Secretary of the Local Preachers, meeting (SO 510 (vi)) Mrs Liz Shaw Church Office holders and Representatives (SO 510 (vii & viii)) From each local church one church steward, the church treasurer and one representative elected from each local church by the Church Council from its own members Church Steward SO 510 Mrs Edna Korman Ms Joan Lewis Mrs Valerie Gee Treasurer SO 510 Mr Sachin Patil Ms Lorraine Oram Mrs Jean Barnes Representative SO 510 Mrs An ela McAvo Mr Brian Kiel Mrs Valerie Cousins to February 2024 Mrs Vivienne Marriott from March 2024 Mr David Hird Mr lan Roxbur Mrs L nette Thompson Mr David Williamson Fazakerley Kensin ton Linacre Mission Moor Lane Old Roan St Marks, West Derb Mrs Hila Henshall Mr Ste hen Gent Mr Jose h Thomas Mrs Hila Ness Mr Tom Battersb Mrs Anne Roxbur Mrs Wend Thomas Mrs Jill Stubbs Substitute Church Representatives (SO 501 (7)) One substitute appointed by the Church Council from its own members to attend in place of the representative appointed under SO 50111)(viii)- a substitute may speak but not vote nor propose or second an resolution. Church resentative Fazakerle Nota ointed Kensin ton Nota ointed Linacre Mission Nota ointed Moor Lane Mrs Hila Jackson Old Roan Ms Sall Lane st Marks, Mrs Mar aret Porter West Derb Nota ointed Approvals The Trustees, Report and the Financial Statements were approved by the Circuit Meeting on 5 August 2025. Signed on behalf of the Circuit Meeting, as authorised.. lan Hu {signed> David K Smith (signed) Rev lan Hu Superintendent Date.. 5 August 2025 David K Smith Circuit Treasurer Dale.. 5 August 2025 Page 11 of37
NORTH LIVERPOOL AND SOUTH SEFTON METHODIST CIRCUIT Number 18103 Statement of Financial Activities (SOFAI for the year ended 31 August 2024 Total Funds 2023 as restated Total Funds 2024 Income and Endowments Donations and legacies Income from monetary investments 68,996 69,004 105,042 8,329 11,100 105,239 48,657 1,454 1,038 59,478 19,825 18,507 31,072 140,588 325,432 98,692 1,000 Income from properties Assessments on Churches 8,725 105,239 Capital Receipts Grants received 94,922 94,922 Other charitable activities Total Incomè 124 668 165 372 350,462 720 333 Expenditure Grants and don2lion5 236 6,235 13,687 114,065 27,176 20,158 251,556 98,261 155,394 69,645 Salaries and as50c. costs 132,218 40,666 155,394 5,273 30,419 241,270 Property maintenance Connexional assess & Levy 13 District assessment & Levy 14 Capital Payments Offe & admin costs 669,8C6 16,491 524,900 70,816 11,280 467 58,365 1S 467 12 52,757 2,857 573 2,171 35,875 58,442 36,895 Other charitable activities Total charitabla expendlture Gains I ILos8esl on monetary investments Gainslllossesl on properties Net incomellexpendlturo) Transfers beeen funds 15 394 038 492974 84 690.818 1,766 153 2,031 3,037 35,000 35,000 300 941 291,000 757,857 234 370 2.881 18 123 909 7,531 34,353 953 Npt movement in funds 358 279 300.941 757 857 Reconclllatlon of funds: Total funds brought fonmard Total funds carried forward 2 339 664 58 563 26,996 3 437 504 4 195 361 1981385 1012,555 67 345 28 924 3 136 563 3 437 504 Page12 of37
NORTH LIVERPOOL AND SOUTH SEFTON METHODIST CIRCUIT Number 18103 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024 2023 as restated 2024 Flxed Assets Circuit Manse and Properlies Investment property Investments 19 1,905,400 1,905,400 2,230.400 29,844 57,023 59,072 Total fixed assets 1905 400 27 179 1962.423 2 289 472 Current Assets Debtors 20 12,454 5,764 1,012,566 12,454 40,724 1,745 1,032,796 1,014,769 Investments with TMCP Central Finance Board Deposits Cash at Bank and in hand 21 22 12,732 64,923 113609 46,354 10.898 122,175 127 480 181,805 Total current assets 196 750 1012 555 1745 1294 905 1301.524 Current liabilities Creditors (due in under 1 yearl 23 120 765 120 765 153492 Net current assets/llabllltles 75 985 1012 555 1,745 1174,140 1 148 032 Total assets less current Ilablllties 1981385 1012 555 354 28 924 3,136,563 3 437 504 Net assets 1981385 1012 SSS 28 924 3 136 563 3 437 504 Funds of the Clrcuit General Fund (Unres1rIedl Clrcuil Model Trust Fund IUnreslricted} Designated Funds (unrestrted> Total Unrestricted Funds 1,981,385 1,981,385 2.339,664 1,012,555 1,012,555 947,920 46,354 46,354 3,040,294 3,351,945 67.345 58,563 1,981,385 1,012,555 46,354 . Restrted Funds 67,345 Endowment Funds Total Funds 1,981 385 1012 555 46,354 28 924 3 136 563 3,437 504 Page13of37
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North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 iv Prior year accounts The income and expenditure, previously reported under the Ihree individual Circuits, as adjusted in iii above is combined for 2023 as follows: Liverpool North Central, Statement of Financial .A¢tlvitles (SOFA) Income and Endowments Donations and legacies Income from monetary investments Income from properties Assessments on Churches Capital Receipts Grants received Other charitable activities Total Income Livorpool. North Merger odjust: Combined,, Crosby°:=..- 40,676 2,774 64,366 2,764 105,042 18,507 12,969 12,120 44,460 325.432 7,045 33,250 11,907 62,878 31,072 140,588 325.432 98,692 29,905 LQQQ 114,650 68,787 394,981 210,702 720,333 Expenditure Grants and donations Salaries and assoc. costs Property maintenance Connexional assess & Levy District assessment & Levy Capital Payments Office & admin costs Other charitable activities Total charitable expenditure Gains / (Lossesl on monetary investments Gainslllosses) on properties Net incomel{expendlturel Transfers between funds Net movement in funds 49,566 84.143 30,640 35,000 68,072 34,334 26,556 89.055 46,092 111,122 241.270 111,066 490,116 163,150 16,540 669,806 5,890 4,752 6,266 20,743 5,849 518,634 9,347 16,491 524,900 70,816 40,726 701,351 338,598 726,204 1,766,153 {2,776} 12611 13,0371 {215,3701 126,724) 1515,7631 1757,8571 Reconcillation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carrled forward Page 15 of37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circult Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Liverpool North Central Llverpool Merger adjust. Combined. BalanGe Sheet.. Fixed Assels Circuitmanse and Properties Investment propety Investments Totalflxed assets Crosby. 700,000 615,000 915,400 2,230,400 700,000 668.065 921,407 2,289,472 CurrentAssets Debtors Investments with TMCP Central Finance Board Deposits Cash at Bank and in hand Total current assets 4,885 787,380 41,110 225.190 8,100 2.199 113,3711 40,724 1,014,769 68,396 28.463 84,946 181,805 3.09..2.2_Q Current Ilabllltles Creditors (due in under1 yearl Net current assetslliabilities Total asset5 less current liabilities 238.,1.02 62,866. lJ4a.o32 Funds of the Circuit General Fund Iunrestrictedl Circuit Model Trust Fund (Unrestricted) Designated Funds Iunrestrictedl Total Unrestricted Fund5 760,214 664,050 915,400 2,339,664 786,850 152,965 8,105 947.920 86 Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total Funds 42,156 996 16,407 58,563 -1 $4.7,0_64 3 437. &Q4 Public benefit entity The North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit ("Circuit") meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised al historical cost or transaction value unless othewise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(sl below. Pag8 16 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes lo the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 vi Contsnt The financial information presented is relevant, reliable, comparable and complete. Where estimates are used these are based on experience, research and judgement. The accounts are expressed in £Sterling, rounded to the nearest pound. Going concern Based on the monetary assets and human resources available at 31 August 2024, the trustees believe that the Circuit is a going concern. vill Consolidation The Circuit has denominalional regulatory oversight in respect of the work of the Churches within the Circuit but has no legal or operational control of those Churches and their governing bodies except in extreme circumstances. For this reason, the financial statements of Churches within the circuit are not consolidated into these financial statements. ix Income recognition Income is brought into account when it is more likely than not that the economic benefit of the income will accrue to the Circuit. No attempt is made to measure the value of SeICe8 donated by volunteers. Individual amounts categorised as Ofhèr income in the SOFA will be shown separately if they are considered material. The Circuit acts as agent in the following matters.. the collection from Churches and payment over of their contributions to various Funds controlled and administered by The Methodist Church - "Connexional Funds" the payment of accounts to the church cleaners on behalf of Linacre Methodist Mission, West Derby Melhodisl Church and Kensington Methodist Church. In all these matters the transactions are not refEected in the SOFA because they are the income and expenditure of either the Connexion or church as appropriate. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the time of volunteers is not recognised. Further information on this matter is provided in the Trustees, Annual Repori. If goods are donated, a value will be shown in the SOFA or notes where the value is considered material. Expenditure This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, that results in the payment being unavoidable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing the Circuit to pay out resources. xi VAT Since the Circuit is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers. Tangible fixed assets All tangible fixed assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and included initially at cost, including any incidental expenses of acquisition and irrecoverable VAT. Page 17 of 37
North Llverpool and South Sefton Methodlst Clrcuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Subsequently, charitable {functional} land and buildings are held at valuation. The Circuit undertakes to perfom the valuations every five years to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ materially from the fair value of the asset at the end of the reporting period. Work to existing properlies which is capable of exlending the useful life or otherwise adding to the value of the property is capitalised. All othei expenditure incurred in respect of general repairs to functional assets is charged to the SOFA in the year it is incurred. No depreciation is provided on the buildings because the trustees consider the current residual fair value of the buildings (on the assumption that it had reached the end of its useful economic life by the year-end) to be not less than its cost to date. The properties have been reviewed for impairment. (There is no expected decline in stated valuations that requires recognition in these accounts.) xiii Investments The investments of the Circuit are held by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) as custodian trustees. The valuations, at market value, are those provided by TMCP. The unrealised gains arising on inveslments at the end of the year are shown in the SOFA and in Note 26 below. xiv Receivables and Payables,. Bank and Cash Debtors are stated at the amounts owed to the Circuit or prepaid. Creditors are initially recognised at settlement amount after any trade discounts, where normal credit terms apply, or amount advanced to the Circuit. Subsequently creditors that are current liabililies are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid. The liquid funds of bank balances and deposit account balances are shown al the realisable values. xv Endowment funds Where the Circuit holds money that may not be spent and must be retained (as capital) to generate an income the money or assets to be retained are classified as an Endowment Fund. The capital will be shown in the balance sheet in the column for endowment funds. The income may be restricted or unrestricted depending on the terms of the endowment. Glossary of terms CFB: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church manages a Common Deposit Fund and a series of pooled investment funds for Methodist entities in Great Britain and provides investment advice to those entities CMTF: Circuit Model Trust Fund DAF: District Advance Fund FRS: Financial Reporting Standard HMRC: His Majesty's Revenue and Customs MCF: Methodist Church Fund MMPS. Methodist Ministers, Pension Scheme MWIB: Methodist Women in Britain Pensions Trust: The Pensions Trust, the organisation through which the Circuit arranges a pension scheme for its lay employees SOFA: Statement of Financial Activities SORP.. Slatement of Recommended Practice Stipends are payments made to ordained ministers (presbyters and deacons) to cover their living expenses and enable them to fulfil their calling to serve God in the Church. These slipends are set annually by the Methodist Church's Connexional Allowances Committee based on a formula that takes into account factors like inflation and earnings indices. Pa9e18 of37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 Augusl 2024 TMCP: Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trusl property, including Legacies, Endowmenls and Accumulated Funds Income from Properties Rental income is reiVed from a former manse property at Brenda Crescent, Thornton. The manse and let property at Harrington Road, Formby was transferred to the Southport Circuit on 31 August 2023. The formal tenancy agreements are managed by real estate agents. Letting income is received from community and charitable groups using the County Hub premises. The Longmoor Lane property was sold in 2023. 2023 as restated General CMTF Desi Restricled Endow Total Rental Contract., Brenda cre$t Harrin ton Road Letlin Income.. Lon moor Lane Count Hub 11,907 1,020 7.045 8,725 Totals Assessments on Local Churches The Circuit now comprises 7 churches and each is assessed for a contribution to meet the overall net costs of the Circuit. In making its assessment for the year, previous year amounts in the fomier Circuits were utilised as a base. The Circuit is unable to cover all its net core costs from the Assessment, utilising surplus reserves to match expenditure. Formby Church transferred to the Southport Circuit on 31 August 2023. General CMTF Desi Restrtd Endw Total 2023 Assessments.. Fazakerle Formb Kensington Linacre Mission Moor Lane with Waterloo Old Roan Sl Marks, Netherton West Derb 10,000 10,000 10,000 84,125 11,214 15,000 27,403 19,460 1,350 10,000 15,000 27,403 19,460 1,340 10,000 15,000 27,403 19,460 1,340 22.oa& Totals An assessment on churches is annually detertnined based on church income and ability to pay. Assessments on churches are quarterly in advance and are treated as pre-payments on a receivable basis. If any church has not paid its assessment by the due date the sum in question is treated as a creditor. Page 19 Df37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Grants received The Ukraine Welcome Centre and the UWC Moving On project received various grants to support specific work or activities during the year. The District Advance Fund grant to support Community Intergenerational work ceased in August 2023. General CMTF Desi Re51rtd End Total 2023 Ukraine Welcome Cenlre Sefton MBC Various Grants 87,420 7,502 87,420 7,502 59 987 UWC Movin Various Grants Inter enerational Minist District Advance Fund Totals 29 905 Capital receipts There were no capital receipts in the year. (In 2023, following church closure, the property and cash assets of Longmoor Lane Church were transferred to the Circuit.) General CMTF Desi Restrtd End Total 2023 Pro Lon erties moor Lane Church 325,000 Bank and Cash Longmoor Lano Funds Totals 432 Donations and legacies Donations to designated funds include monies reiVed for the ongoing work at County Hub. Restricted fund donations for the work of the UWC are received from Sefton MBC to cover salary costs., sales shop and café at Blundellsands,. various private and charitable donations. Restricted fund donations include various private and charitable contributions towards project activities of the Cl P. General CMTF Desi Reslrtd Endow Total 2023 Donations.. Personal and charitable donations Donation 36,358 ac 2,000 2,000 Page 20 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Ukraine Welcome Centre UWC Sales Sho I Cafe Various Donations 24.063 24,063 10826 UWC Movin Various Donations 19,400 19,400 28,425 cip Various Donations Totals Grants and donations Donations to the mission work of Methodist Women in Britain were made in the year. In accordance with Circuit grant procedures one grant application was received and approved to St Marks, reference their heating and roofing project. The grant award in 2023 to West Derby Redevelopmènt was to cover initial feasibility costs in respect of architect and fundraising consultancy fees of which part was drawn down in the year. (A further grant was approved subject to the positive outcome of the feasibility process. This grant is disclosed under contingent liabilities.) Various grants (typically £200) were made to individuals as part of the UWC Moving On project. General CMTF Desi R6Strtd Endow Total 2023 Donations MWIB 236 236 CMTF Grants st Marks Roof and Heat Kensin ton Reserve West Derb Redevelo ment Kensin ton Kitchen Fund Old Roan Floor Fazakerle Kitchen Linacre Ener ies Old Roan Ener ies Fazakerle Ener ies 6,235 10,000 5,000 27,000 506 490 UWC Movin On Various ranls 26.556 Totals Page 21 0137
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the AGcounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Salaries and associated costs Stipends paid to one full time and one part time office holders (2022-23.. Circuit teamed with neighbouring Circuits to share Superintendency.) Stipends paid were as follows.. Sti ends General 46,562 CMTF Desi Restrtd End Tol81 46,562 2023 66,670 Sti nds National Insurance contributions Pension Fund contributions Totals 4,142 6,358 The Circuit employs three full time and ten part time, {2022-23.' three full time and nine part time) lay staff as follows: General 63,071 CMTF Desi 5,273 Restrtd 101,796 End Tolal 170,140 2023 140 042 Salar National Insurance contributions Pension Fund contributions Totals 4,436 2,368 7,129 11,565 4,397 Contracted Hours (pw) 80 10 128 Salaries and a530ciated costs Totals No employees received employee benefits that totalled more than £60,000. There is no accrual for holiday pay as it is immaterial-, the holiday year ends on 31 August. All staff are paid at or above the real living wage as calculated by the Living Wage foundation. Pensions Stipendiary Circuit Ministers are eligible to join the Methodist Ministers, Pension Scheme (MMPS). The MMPS is a funded defined benefit scheme maintained by The Methodist Church of Great Britain. As the Circuit is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme, the Circuit has taken the advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard (FRSI 17, Retirement Benefits, and has accounted its contributions to the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. The pension costs for the scheme represent the contribution payable by the Circuit in the year. The contribution rates are set each year by the Methodist Conference. Lay employees are contractually employees and may be required to be auto enrolled in the Circuit's Pensions Trust or Nest Auto Enrolment pension schemes which are defined benefit schemes and the Circuit contribute as an employer to these schemes. 10 Cost of Superintendent and Trustees The Superintendent of the Circuit and the remaining members of the CLT are considered as key management personnel. The Superintendent chairs meetings of the CLT and Circuil meetings. The members of the Circuit meeting are the trustees of the Circuit. The stipends, employerfs NIC and employer's pension contributions and other expenses of the ministers of the Circuit are paid by the Circuil. Pag8 22 0137
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 The manses are provided by the Circuit and the Circuit maintains the property. The value of the Council Tax and water charges paid by the Circuit is not disclosed here as HMRC does not regard this as a benefit in kind in the hands of the minister. Each Minister is entitled to a three-month sabbatical every seven years and the expenses incurred by the Minister are met by the Connexion with the Circuit continuing to pay the stipend. During the year there has been no sabbatical. The Circuit does not accrue for holiday pay cover as the remaining staff cover the holidays as needed and without extra pay. Total 2023 stipends of Ministers Employer's National Insurance contributions Employer's Pension contributions to a defined benefit pension scheme 66,670 6,358 4,142 Total cost Payments to trustees It is generally not Circuit policy to reimburse non-ministerial members of the CLT, Circuit Meeting and others involvecl in the administration of Circuit affairs for expenditure properly incurred in carrying out their duties. Ministers of the Methodist Church are provided a stipend. No member of the Circuit Meeting or CLT was in reIpt of any payment for work undertaken on behalf of the Circuit, although certain travelling and administration costs may at times be re-imbursed in relation to specific projects. Travel and administration costs of £nil (2022-23.. £nil) were paid to other trustees. 11 Property maintenance The Circuit is managing trustee for four manses, one of which is occupied by a minister stationed in the Circuit and another for which considerable refurbishment work has been carried out for an incoming minister to occupy from August 2024. The other Iwo manses will be sold. Circuit is responsible for the payment of Council Tax, Utilities, Water charges and Insurance. Manse costs airs and maintenance Prior Road Eaton Road Breniwood Avenue General CMTF Desi Restricted End Total 2023 385 3,152 16,217 385 3,152 16,217 437 703 Council Tax Water Rates Insurance 3,656 3,656 1,396 5,612 1,418 Totals In 2023 the Circuit covered the cost of quinquennial inspections in the Circuit churches. There were no costs incurred in the year. Page 23 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Other ro costs Quinquennial on church ro erties General CMTF Desi Restricted End Total 2023 Totals 3,855 The Circuit is responsible for other properties being County Hub (primary base for the work of the Community Intergenerational Project and other activities), Blundellsands (primary base for the Ukraine Welcome Centre) and other properties at Longmoor Lane (sold during the year) and Kirkby (marketed for sale). The properties at Oakfield, Maghull, Abrigo and Ridgeway Drive were sold during 2023. Other Pro erties Coun Hub Desi nated airs and maintenance Kitchen Pro Buildin Insurance Heat and Li ht Water Rates Totals General CMTF Desi Restricted End Total 2023 3,623 3,623 19,550 2,677 3,977 592 5,170 4,147 592 30,419 UWC ReseNe airs and maintenance Heat and Li hl Buildin Insurance Water Rates Totals 11,930 6,210 8,100 936 27,176 936 27,176 36.129 Oakfield Pro Council Tax Water Rates Heat and Li hl Re airs and clearance Buildin Insurance erties 1,618 1,124 660 3,206 124 124 250 250 Totals Maghull Church Water Rates Heat and Li hl Buildin Insurance 88 Totals Lon moor Lane Re airs and maintenan Buildin Insurance Heal and Li hl 1,105 2,109 712 1,105 2,109 712 5,286 5,855 Page 24 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the AcGounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Kirkb airs and maintenance Buildin Insuranc8 Heal and Li 405 1,372 405 675 1,756 ht Brenda Crescent Lellin char airs and maintenance es 1,354 478 1,832 1,543 Abrlgo Council Tax Water Rates Heat and Li ht Repairs and Maintenance Totals 126 666 3,186 Ridgeway Drive Council Tax Water Rates Heal and Li ht Repairs and maintenance Totals Propeity maintenance Totals 235 114 12 Office and administration costs General CMTF Desi Restricled 321 46 Endow Total 2023 PPSA, IT and e Sundries Tele hone Travel Removal costs Trainin Circuit office al and rofessional Preachin and worshi TMCP char ment 3,640 2,068 2,794 7,427 573 201 4,312 4,312 296 296 1,021 2,760 41,199 2,912 3,040 24,736 1,916 24,736 Totals 13 Connexional Assessment The Connexional Assessment is calculated relative to the proportion of staffing (ministerial and lay), church members, church attendances and total relevant income of all Circuits in the Liverpool District. Page 25 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Under Methodist standing Order 970, the Connexional Priority Fund {'CPF") levy is charged on the proceeds from the disposition of virtually all Methodist Model Trust Property. (A proportion of the CPF levy may be reclaimed and used to fund a qualifying Replacement Project.) This levy was charged following the disposal of Longmoor Lane Church. There is no provision for any reclaim included in these accounts. General CMTF Desi Reslrt Endow Total 2023 Methodist Church Fund MCF 44 560 Connexional Priority Fund {"CPF") lev Sale of Lon Sale of Ma Sale of Rid Sale of Abri Sale of Oakfield Church Connexional assessment and lev Totals moor Church hull Church ewa Drive 110,834 110834 287,606 89,237 14 District Assessment The District Assessment is calculated relative to the proportion of staffing (ministerial and lay), church members, and total relevant income of all Circuits in the Liverpool District. One third of the overall cost is calculated using staffing proportions, one third income proportions, one third membership proportions. standing order provides that a levy be taken into District Advance Funds (DAFS) on all capital money held in each Circuit model trust fund. The levy is 2.50/0 on the first £100,000. General CMTF Desi Restricted Endow Total 2023 District assessment and Lev 645 Totals 15 Other charitable activities General CMTF Desi Restricted Endow Total 2023 14,131 UWC Aclivities UWC Café costs CFW ro ects runnin 3Generale ex enses Other ex enditure Kensington projects running costs 14,159 3,111 14,159 3,111 costs 2,679 270 85 Totals Page 26 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Pllethodist Circuit Nofes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 16 Capital Payments A detailed review of model trust funds and permanent endowments was carried out in 2023 to understand charitable purposes with support from TMCP, Liverpool District and Charity Commission. Restricted funds of value £6,266 were transferred to other Methodist trustee bodies better able to manage and distribute funds as required. Following further review, it was determined to transfer income of one permanent endowment to Kensington Church as means to ensure charitable benefit is besl applied. At 31 August 2023, property of the manse at Harrington Road, Formby at book value £452,582 and unrestricted bank funds of £66,052 were transferred to the Southport Circuit, as agreed, following the decision of Formby Church to transfer to the Southport Circuil. General CMTF Desi Restr Endow Total 2023 Transfer of Restricted funds to other Methodist trLSSts Transfer Harrington Road, Formby manse to Southport Circuit Transfer Crosby Circuit nrestricted bank funds to South ort Circuit 467 467 452,582 66,052 Totals 17 Investment management During the year the Circuit paid £3,055 to TMCP, the custodians of the Circuit's investments (Circuit Model Trust Fund and various endowment funds (2022-23-. £263). The sum of £3,055 was levied at 0.2D/o on the value of the funds at the end of the year and is shown as allocated. See Note 12 above. 18 Transfers between funds During the year the following transfers were made.. £249,166 between general fund and Circuit model trust fund property disposals of £360,000 less connexional property levy of £110,834. £22,915 between Circuit model trust fund and general fund being legal and survey costs on completion of property disposals. £98,765 between Circuit model trust fund and general fund being transfers to support circuit grants and other operating expenditure. £44,508 between Circuit model trust fund and ger)eral fund being transfer of investment interest. £953 between endowment funds and restricted funds being income earned on endowments available for restricted use. £5,931 between general fund and County designaled fund to cover net costs of fund. £1,600 between CIP Projects and County designated fund to support utility costs £4,000 between CIP Projects and Intergenerational fund to support salary costs £35,000 between general fund and Intergenerational project fund. Pag& 27 of 37
North Liverpool and Soulh Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 19 Manse and other property I n accordance with Circuit policy to obtain revised valuations every five years, valuations remain unaltered following revision on all properties in 2022. The properties in Eaton Road, Liverpool and Brenda Cresnt, Thornton do not meet the current requirements of a manse and are no longer required as a manse. The sale of Eaton Road was completed in 2024125. The Brenda Crescent property is privately let on a managed tenancy agreemenl. The property at Longrnoor Lane, Liverpool was sold during the year. There is no deprecialion on the properties as the impaimient review at the end of the year confirmed that the current residual market value of the building was greater than the carrying value of that part of the asset's cost to date. Land Buildin Total Cost or valuation Prio Road Balance blf at 1 Se tember Revaluation in ear Balan clf at 31 Au 130,000 165,000 ust 2024 00 Cost or valuatlon Eaton Road Balance blf at 1 Se tember Revaluation in ear Balance cjf at 31 Au 70,000 180,000 250,000 ust 2024 oo Cost or valuation Brentwood Avenue Balance blf at 1 Se tember Revaluation in ear Balance clf at 31 Au 217 500 290 000 ust 2024 Cost or valuation Brenda Crescent Balance blf at 1 Se tember Revaluation in ear Balan clf at 31 Au 206 250 275 000 ust 2024 275 000 Cost or valuation Kirkby Balance blf at 1 Se tember Revaluation in ear Balance CM at 31 Au 25,000 100000 ust 2024 Cost or valuation Land at Wilsons Lane Balance blf at 1 Se tember Revaluation in ear Balance clf at 31 Au 400 400 ust 2024 Page 28 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Cost or valuation Lon rnoor Lane Balance blf at 1 Se tember Revaluation on dis osal Sold in ear Balance clf at 31 Au 243 750 325 000 35 000 USI 2024 Cost or valuation Blundellsands Balance blf at 1 Se lember Revaluation in ear Balance clf at 31 Au 125000 500 000 625 000 ust 2024 Cost or valuation Coun Balance blf al 1 Se tember Revalualion in ear Balance clf at 31 Au hub ro erties 75,000 125,000 200,000 ust 2024 oo. Totals carried forward al 31 Au ust 2024 471 650 1433.750 1905 400 20 Debtors and prepayments All sums shown as Debtors at 1 September 2023 were received during the following year. All sums paid in advance at 1 September 2023 were for adivities that have been held during 2023-24. Debtors wgyè made u as follows: 2023-24 2022-23 General Fund: Trade debtors Pa roll costs for Churches 2,041 1,450 Pre ments and accrued income Pa ments in advan Unrestrict8d Pre ments.. 10,413 Total General Fund 12,454 12,624 Desi nated Fund: Count Hub Other debtors roved rant award from CMTF other debtors Total Desi nated Fund Restricted Fund: Ukraine Welcome Centre Pre ments and accrued income Pa ments in advance Restricted Pre ments.. 8,100 Total Restricted Fund Total 12,454 P8ge 29 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 21 Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes The funds that support the Mission Capital Fund are held by TMCP in Trustees Interest Funds on which interest is credited lo the accounts each month. These are regarded as medium and long term investments. TMCP is the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trust property, including Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds. Trust property is held for and on behalf of local Managing Trustees who are responsible for the day-to-day management of Irust property. TMCP ensure that, through providing guidance and acting under their direction, the Managing Trustees comply with charity law and Methodist law and policy as determined by the Methodist Conference. 22 Central Finance Board (CFB) and Cash at Bank The Circuit has two current accounts and one deposit at CAF Bank, an authorised institution. The sums held on those accounts are immediately available. In addition, the Circuit has one deposit account at CFB, a common deposil fund. Interest is earned on this account and credited monthly,. the sums deposited can be withdrawn without notice and without loss of interest. These sums are viewed as being liquid. Following the amalgamation of Circuits and transfer of assels to the Circuit, "legacy" accounts at HSBC plc, Natwest plc and Barclays plc and CFB have continue to be used. These accounts are being closed on a staged basis as operational matters are concluded. 23 Creditors and accrued expenses The amount due to the Southport Circuit has not been paid during the year but will be paid during the year to 31 Augusl 2025. All other sums shown as Creditors at 1 September 2023 were paid during the following year. It is expected that all sums accrued at 31 August 2024 will be paid during the year to 31 August 2025. Creditors were made u as follows: 2023-24 2022-23 General Fund: other creditors South ort Circuit roved rant awards Advance ment oth8r creditors 77,100 9,500 509 98,109 66,052 Accruals and deferred income Various accruals Unrestricted Accruals.. 22,656 20,689 Total General Fund 120 765 98,492 P8ge 30 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist CirGUit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Circuit Model Trust Fund: Other Creditors roved rant awards Other creditors 55, 000 Total 120 765 153492 Maturi anal sis of financial liabilitles Accrued at 01-Se -23 Accrual Made in ear Accrued at 31-Au -24 Pald in ear Other creditors South ort Circuit roved rant awards Advan ment other creditors 66 052 9,500 T7,803 11,751 98,709 A¢cruals and deferred income Various accruals Unr8slrict8d AGcruals.' Tolal 98,492 54,713 120765 24 U nrestricted Funds - balance £3,040,294 at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £3,351,945) 24.1 General Fund- balance £1,981,385 at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £2,339,664) The purpose of the fund is for use at Ihe discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit and which have not been designated for other purposes. During the year the Circuit completed disposal of the property at Longmoor Lane, Liverpool with a small gain on disposal, payment of Connexional levy in accordance with Methodist discipline and transfer of excess funds to the Circuit Model Trust Investment Fund. Income and expenditure relating to properties at County Hub (principal base for the Community Intergenerational Project) and al Blundellsands (base for the Ukraine Welcome Centrel is managed through separate designated funds with deficit on the County Hub account funded by transfer from the General Fund. At the end of year 960/0 of this fund, by valuation, is held as freehold properties. 24.2 Circuit Model Trust Fund- balance £1,012.555 at 31 August 2024 (2023." £947,920) This unrestricted fund is for use at the discretion of trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit. Funds were received from investment by transfer from the General Fund. following sale of the Longmoor Lane property. A grant was awarded to St Marks church property project in the year. Page 31 ol 37
North Liverpool and Soulh Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 In July 2023, the trustees committed funds to an amount of £120,000 to the work of the CIP until August 2025. (See Note 29.1 In July 2023, the trustees approved a grant of £35,000 to the West Derby redevelopment project subject to the project being fully funded. {See Note 29.) 24.3 UWC Designated Property Fund- balance £46,354 at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £44,361) This fund is designated towards maintaining the Blundellsands property whilst in use by the UWC project. Income to this fund is the sale of the Church Organ during the year. There has been no other transaction on this fund with all minor repair and maintenance costs met through the UWC Restricted Fund account. 24.4 County Property Fund- balance £nil at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £20,000) This fund includes income and expenditure relating to the use of the premises at Counly Hub which serves as a primary base for the work of the Community Intergenerational project. Transfers are received from General Fund to cover the net costs of £5,931 in the year. The brought foward balance of £20,000, being committed funds for a Kitchen refurbishment, was fully utilised during the year. 25 Restricted Funds - balance £67,345 at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £58,563) 25. 1 Ukraine Welcome Centre- balance £6,288 at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £14,437) This is the primary project fund for the work to support displaced Ukrainians in the Liverpool area and based at Blundellsands church. Income received includes £87,420 from Sefton MBC towards the cost of staff salaries. Other income received is from individuals, corporates and charities and from the Sales shop and café at Blundellsands church. Expenditure is the cost of staff salaries, shop, café and building operating costs and ackn-vities. 25.2 UWC Moving On- balance £7.582 at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £1,869) This the project fund to assist Ukrainians associated with the Ukraine Welcome Centre moving to new homes or accommodation. Income is received as donations from individuals, corporates and charities. This fund is managed by the Ukraine Welcome Centre project and provides grants of typically £200 to £600 to approved individuals. 25.3 Community Intergenerational Fund- balance £1,283 at 31 August 2024 (2023." £391) The Community Intergenerational Fund is a project to support Community Intergenerational work across the former Liverpool (North Central) Circuit, initially supported by Methodist Church connexion and the District Advance Fund. This project commenced in August 2019 with Connexion funding ended in 2022 but matched by District Advance funding for 2023. P8ge 32 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 In July 2023, the trustees committed to use reserves to continue to fund this project until August 2025. 25.4 CIP Projects Fund- balance £8, 709 at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £4, 714) The CIP Projects funds various community and intergenerational activities of the Community Intergenerational project. This fund is a catchall for various activities with specific restrictions relating to some donations. Strict compliance is ensured by the management of the children and family worker in association with the treasurer. Total income in the year was £12,708 and expenditure was £3,113 with transfers out of £5,600. 25.5 Worship and Mission Income Fund, balance £907 at 31 August 2024 (2023 overdrawn at £801) The Worship and Mission Income Fund is used principally to support worship 8nd mission costs in the Circuit. Total expenditure in the year was £nil. A capital amount, £26,613 at 31 August 2024, is invested lo provide income to support the purposes of the fund. 25.6 Worship and Mission Capital Fund. balance £26,613 at 31 August 2024 (2023 £24,914) The Worship and Mission Capital Fund is invested to provide income to support the purposes of the fund. 25. 7 Oakfield Mission fund- balance £13,862 at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £12,938) The Oakfield Mission fund is the administrative combination of a number of funds received by transfer on the closure of Oakfield church with varied but similar terms. Total income in the year was £630 being investment income and expenditure of £36. A transfer of £2 was made to the Worship and Mission fund. 25.8 Other funds - balance £2, 101 at 31 August 2024 (2023.. £101) A legacy of £2,000 was received in the year for mission work in the Walton area.. The market valuations for the various funds have been provided by TMCP. The funds of the Intergenerational project are held on deposit at CAF and CFB. Page 33 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 26 Summary of movements on significant Individual funds Balance at Balan al Gainsl Losses Fund 01-Se -23 Income 'diture Transfers 31-Au -24 General Fund Circuit Model Trust Fund UWC Desi nated Count Pro ert Total unrestricted Ukraine Welcome Centre UWC Movin Intergenerational ro ect CIP Pro ecls Worshi and Mission Mission Ca Oakfield Mission other Total restrlcted 2,339,664 124,668 394,038 123.909 35,000 q,981,385 947,920 44,361 20 000 3,351945 48,657 1,993 8734 184 052 67.457 82,978 457 1,012,555 36 265 497, 760 3 040 294 14,437 129,810 19,400 137,959 13,687 7,582 391 4.714 801 24,914 38,108 1,283 8,709 907 26,613 13,862 12.708 1,708 753 824 630 71 36 1,699 332 101 58,563 165 372 192 974 34,353 2,031 Circuit Account Trust 822 Hugh Rowlands Trust 280 J Edmondson uest Trust 867 H J Stones Bequest Trust 3840 May Crane Bequest Trust 8240 Total endowment 196 10 10 196 378 42 40 378 2,086 249 13 235 45 2,132 5,053 154 13 140 390 5,444 &83 84 953 1,927 28,924 Total Funds 3,437 504 350,462 690 818 39,415 3 136 563 27 Connected organisations and related parties Ministers of the Methodist Church have membership held connexionally. All of the other Circuit trustees are members of one or another Church within the Circuit and may be trustees in their Churches. Connected organisations include the Methodist Connexion, Liverpool Methodist District, Churches within the Circuit, other Methodist Circuits in Great Britain, CFB and TMCP. All of these entities have their own trustees or directors and autonomous administration such that the Circuit has no significant Influen over any of them, nor they over the Circuit. They are, therefore, not considered related parties. P48 34 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Names of Connected Organisations Receipts Payments Donee.. Liver ool Methodist District- District assessment Donee.. Liver ool Methodist District- District Advance Fund lev Donee.. The Methodist Church Fund - Connexional assessment Donee.. The Methodist Church Fund- Connexional riorit lev Donee.. St Marks Methodist Church CMTF Grants Donor.. Churches wilhin North Liverpool and South Sefton Circuit assessments on Churches Donee.. Methodisl Women in Britain 11,280 58,365 110,834 6,235 105,239 236 There were no related party transactions. 28 Volunteer contributions Every entity (Connexion, District, Circuit, and Church) within the Methodist Church in GB is heavily reliant on volunteers who contribute their skills, time and money in the furtherance of the work of the Church. We are grateful to all of them for their help and commitment. 29 Capital commitrnents and contingent liabilities In July 2023, the Circuit trustees committed an amount of £120,OOQ from the Circuit Model trust fund to extend the work of the Community Intergenerational project until at least August 2025. As at August 2024, an amount of £40,931 was transferred to support project costs and the costs of the County Hub building. In July 2023, the Circuit trustees approved a grant of £35,000 to West Derby Melhodist Church towards the costs of redevelopment to the main church building. The grant to be paid only on the project being fully funded through other grants and donations. There are no other capital commitments or contingent liabilities. 30 Lease commitments The Circuit has no lease commitments 31 Independent examiner No accrual has been made for the fee of the auditor or independent examiner who has historically provided his services free of charge (2022-23.. Nil). The auditor or independent examiner provided no additional services during the year. Page 35 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit (Number 1813 Declarations and Scrutiny Statement of Trustee's Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and whiGh enable them to ascertain the financial position of the charily and which enable them to ensure Ihat Ihe financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulalions, Accounting and Reporting by Charities,. Statement of Recommended Practice {SORP 2015) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS1021 (effective 1st January 2015) and the provisions of the trust deed. The Trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Trustees must: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principle in the Charities SORP-, make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. and., prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charity will continue in operation. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees should follow best practice. The Trustees are also responsible for the contents of the trustees, report, and the responsibility of the examiner in relation to the trustees, report is limited lo examining the report and ensuring that, on the face of the report, there are no inconsistencies with the figures disclosed in the financial statements. I confimi that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit Meeting. Signature of treasurer Name oftreasurer,,,,,DAVID K SMITH,,,,,, , ,,,,. Address .16 DALEGARTH AVENUE, LIVERPOOL L12 OAJ.................. Presentation to the Circuit Meeting I confi'rm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 were presented lo the Circuit Meeting at its meeting on 5 August 2025. Signalure of the Chair of the meeting Name of the Chair of the meetin .REVD IAN HU.. Date 5 Au ust2025....................... P8ge 36 of 37
North Liverpool and South Sefton Methodist Circuit (Number 1813) Independent examiners report Report to the trustees For the year ended 31st August 2024 Registered charity no. 1163418 I report to the Irustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charily for the year ended 31st Augusl 2024 which are set out on pages 12 10 36. 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"). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualifi'ed member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Independent examiner's Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in conneclion with the examination other than that disclosed below which give 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 comply with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts setout 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. The matters that have come to my attention are.. The financial statements for the year ended 31st August 2023 were not examined. Consequently, the comparative figures shown in the financial statements for the year ended 31 st Augusl 2024 are not covered by this examination report. I have not obtained independent verification of investments, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Other than the points noted above I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which altention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name.'John Keith Taylor, om FCA Date.. Relevant professional qualification.. Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Address.. 12 Newholme Close. Liverpool L12 OJG Page 37 of 37