Charity number: 1168142
THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 6 |
| Independent examiner's report | 7 - 8 |
| Statement of financial activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11 - 18 |
THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Trustees
Philip Edward Read Christopher John Burton Susan Mary Bessant Ian Lawrence Burton Benjamin Paul Harden Peter Martin Weir
Charity registered number 1168142 Principal office Unit D22, Admiralty Park Station Road Poole BH16 6HX
Page 1
THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the The Lighthouse Family Church for the year 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
OBJECTS
The primary aims of the Trust are to fulfil the role of a Christian Church in the Poole, Dorset area and to provide help to others in promoting the Christian faith in the United Kingdom and overseas.
THE CHURCH: ITS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The Church is not a building, but a gathering of ordinary people of different ages and backgrounds whose lives have been changed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The New Testament reveals the Church as a community of people, properly taught and cared for, who by loving and serving Jesus Christ, were also committed to love and care for each other and to bring a blessing to the area in which they lived. The Lighthouse Family Church, its trustees, leaders and members are committed to the restoration of those New Testament principles. It is not alone in this, it is one of many Churches in the area, country and all over the world that is rediscovering the excitement of knowing Jesus Christ. The vision is to see the people of Lytchett Matravers and the surrounding area come into this experience of knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord, Saviour and friend.
The Lighthouse Family Church has a long-standing relationship with several other local Churches that pursue similar objectives in the UK and overseas and is developing relationships with other churches in planning joint ventures within the area.
Directions relating to the charitable trust are made by the Trustees in consultation with the church leaders who are responsible for governing the life and teaching of the church. Day to day decisions on expenditure and activities are decided by the church leaders, staff and volunteers in charge of different areas of the church. The power of appointment or removal of Trustees rests with the Trustees. New Trustees are primarily selected from the members of the church since this means that the Trustee body is whole heartedly involved in seeing the mission of the church worked out in practice. On being appointed, new Trustees spend time with the existing Trustees to ensure they understand their responsibilities and the legal and financial framework in which the church operates.
Whilst the church currently employs six part time staff, it is the work of every member of the church, whether employed or not, that will make the difference in the church achieving its great commission. This is done by being ‘salt and light’ amongst the people they interact with every day; by praying, by visiting the sick and others in need, in being involved in training others, in public teaching and worship, and also in administration. The financial resources of the church, to a very large extent, are given by the members and their private assets and resources are regularly used in the work of the church. Much of this work is done privately, without recognition, and the hours and value of the time cannot be quantified
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
THE YEAR: ITS OBJECTIVES, ACHIEVEMENTS & EVENTS
During the year ending 31[st] March 2024, all church activity continued with no restrictions from Covid-19. All meetings are in person, but we are still maintaining an online presence.
General Church Activities
The Lighthouse continued with a programme of training, equipping and pastoral care for the Lighthouse Church Family. The pastoral care team continued to provide care and prayer for those in need within the church and community. An updated program of Sunday services is now running with the majority also being streamed online. Additional content continues to be made available online.
Church Growth
Although the church doesn’t have a formal membership there are some 125 people who consider themselves part of the Lighthouse Family Church. Covid-19 has seen a reduction in the number of people attending the church, but the live streaming online of our services has allowed us to reach a far wider group of people geographically and we have continued to stream online content, and in particular for some members who are unable to attend in person due to ill health.
Kingdom Life School
The Lighthouse Church started Kingdom Life School in September 2017, a programme of training aiming to equip students to boldly share and demonstrate the Kingdom of God. Whilst the school took a hiatus due to the pandemic, the 5-day school has run successfully every September since 2022 and January 2024 saw a return to a six month long school that runs until May 2024. The plan is to continue with this format in the year 2024/2025 alongside a series of online short courses that have been produced, released and made available both to our own church family and to other churches and home groups to continue with the mission to train and equip, and to give prospective students/partners a taste of the Kingdom Life School syllabus.
Overseas Mission Support
The Lighthouse Church is currently support mission projects in 3 areas: Uganda, Japan (and South East Asia) and the Philippines. The Trustees aim to be giving at least 10% of donations towards mission.
New Building
Having been located in the leased building at Admiralty Park for 15 years the leaders of the church began to look towards developing a larger church centre to cater for growth that has been happening amongst adults, children and youth. A 5-acre plot of land was identified and purchased January 2018 on a site close to the current building on Station Road. All demolition work has been completed. Detailed plans have been drawn up and tenders issued for the build. Additionally trust grant applications have been prepared to secure funding for the build.
Woodland Church
The woodland church meetings have continued to be successful and well attended particularly by families with young children. There is a consistent team of volunteers who run the meetings and also undertake site maintenance activities. The plan is to further develop the site to provide more facilities and keep on top of the woodland management to allow the site to be more secure and suitable for a wider audience.
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
PLANS FOR THE NEW YEAR
The key strategies for the church remain the same but will be reviewed by the Church leadership team on a regular basis. Fundraising will continue for the building project and plans for the next stages of development are in process. The church will continue to explore, in consultation with local churches and Christian agencies, other ways to assist the poorer sections of the community, both in the financial sense of the word but also in others. The church will also review its current support commitments and explore further overseas opportunities, including response to any appeals following emergencies and/or natural disasters around the world.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The level of donations has fallen slightly over the year but remains good providing steady income. The church has made use of various government schemes including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and a Bounce Back Loan.
The property that was gifted to the church in a will has now been sold.
GRANT MAKING POLICY
Gifts to external organisations and individuals are considered by the Trustees on the basis of need and fulfilment of the charitable objectives. There are no upper or lower limits of support
RISK MANAGEMENT
All major insurable risks are subject to normal Churches and employers’ insurance. Contractual risks are reviewed before entering into to assess that they could not significantly impact upon the churches ability to fulfil its objectives.
GOVERNANCE
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Acts. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees confirm that the accounts comply with current statutory requirements and those of the Charity’s trust deed
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The Lighthouse Family Church is a registered charity, number 1168142, and is constituted under a Trust deed.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on the 25[th] October 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Christopher John Burton
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Lighthouse Family Church ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 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 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK, which is one of the listed bodies.
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the 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.
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Signed:
Dated: 25[th] October 2024
Kolade Andrew Alli ACMA
The ARK Financial Management Consultancy Ltd
10 Gatcombe Gardens West End Hampshire SO18 3NA
Page 8
THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 3 Total expenditure Net income Transfers between funds 10 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 68,791 68,791 540 540 68,251 - 68,251 570,297 68,251 638,548 |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 189,035 189,035 178,945 178,945 10,090 - 10,090 534,278 10,090 544,368 |
Total funds 2024 £ 257,826 257,826 179,485 179,485 78,341 - 78,341 1,104,575 78,341 1,182,916 |
Total funds 2023 £ 208,375 208,375 197,553 197,553 10,822 (45,804) (34,982) 1,139,557 (34,982) 1,104,575 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 11 to 18 form part of these financial statements.
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
| Fixed assets Note Tangible assets 6 Current assets Debtors 7 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 8 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 9 Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 10 Unrestricted funds 10 Total funds |
1,146,493 16,717 1,163,210 (12,299) |
2024 £ 93,749 93,749 1,150,911 1,244,660 (61,744) 1,182,916 1,182,916 638,548 544,368 1,182,916 |
1,054,090 42,965 1,097,055 (12,245) |
2023 £ 93,749 93,749 1,084,810 1,178,559 (73,984) 1,104,575 1,104,575 570,297 534,278 1,104,575 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on the 25[th] October 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Philip Edward Read
The notes on pages 11 to 18 form part of these financial statements.
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The Lighthouse Family Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
1.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Freehold property -
1.5 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.6 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.7 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
1.8 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 2. Income from donations and legacies | |
|---|---|
| Restricted Unrestricted funds Total Total |
|
| funds General 2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| Corporate Donations | 19,550 7,289 26,839 5,838 |
| Events Income | 0 8,270 8,270 4,796 |
| General Donations | 40,751 137,517 178,268 146,445 |
| Gift Aid tax reclaimed | 8,490 33,765 42,255 30,758 |
| Other income | 0 2,194 2,194 20,538 |
| 68,791 189,035 257,826 208,375 |
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
3. Expenditure on charitable activities
| Restricted Unrestricted funds |
Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds General |
2024 | 2023 | |
| £ £ |
£ | £ | |
| Advertising | 0 749 |
749 | 996 |
| Bank charges | 0 121 |
121 | 491 |
| Catering & Refreshments | 0 604 |
604 | 1,203 |
| Event costs & Expenses | 28 1,997 |
2,025 | 416 |
| Honorariums | 0 600 |
600 | 1,650 |
| Independent examiner's fee | 0 1,080 |
1,080 | 900 |
| Legal and professional fees | 0 4,472 |
4,472 | 4,576 |
| Loan interest | 0 2,240 |
2,240 | 3,154 |
| Ministry costs | 512 37,997 |
38,509 | 43,001 |
| Office Equipment Incl Hire | 0 1,785 |
1,785 | 2,895 |
| Printing, Postage, and Stationery | 0 2,167 |
2,167 | 2,121 |
| Recruitment expenses | 0 49 |
49 | 200 |
| Rent | 0 36,015 |
36,015 | 34,681 |
| Subscription | 0 1,369 |
1,369 | 1,289 |
| Telephone and Computer charges | 0 1,732 |
1,732 | 3,927 |
| Training | 0 700 |
700 | 1,334 |
| Travelling Expenses | 0 288 |
288 | 750 |
| Utilities, Repairs and Maintenance | 0 4,563 |
4,563 | 7,966 |
| Wages and salaries | 0 80,417 |
80,417 | 86,003 |
| 540 178,945 |
179,485 | 197,553 |
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
4. Independent examiner's remuneration
| Independent examiner's remuneration | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination of the Charity's annual accounts | 1,080 | 900 |
5. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
Philip Edward Read During the year ended 31 March 2024, expenses totaling £ 26,172 were paid directly to Trustee Phil Read (2023 - £25,247 ) during the year for duties carried out as minister of the church.
Mr Ian Burton
Provided the church with a loan to support the new building project, which is currently been paid back with interest.
As at the balance sheet date the amount due was £16,363 (2022 - £33,088)
6. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2023 At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 |
Freehold property £ 138,749 138,749 45,000 45,000 93,749 93,749 |
|---|---|
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
7. Debtors
| Due after more than one year Other debtors Due within one year Other debtors |
2024 £ 1,146,493 1,146,493 - 1,146,493 |
2023 £ 1,053,037 1,053,037 1,053 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,054,090 |
8. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 11,219 1,080 12,299 |
2023 £ 11,345 900 |
|---|---|---|
| 12,245 |
9. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Other loans | 61,744 | 73,984 |
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Statement of funds - current year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Restricted Fund Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 534,278 570,297 1,104,575 |
Income £ 189,035 68,791 257,826 |
Expenditure £ (178,945) (540) (179,485) |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 544,368 |
| 638,548 | ||||
| 1,182,916 |
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THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Restricted Fund Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 538,001 601,556 1,139,557 |
Income £ 191,630 16,745 208,375 |
Expenditure £ (195,353) (2,200) (197,553) |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - (45,804) (45,804) |
Balance at 31 March 2023 £ 534,278 570,297 1,104,575 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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