CHARrtY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1168391
Black Country Circuit
Unaudited Financial Statements
31 August 2023
BSN ASSOCIATES LIMITED
Chartered accountants
3B Swallowfield Courtyard
Wolverhampton Road
Oldbury
West Midlands
B69 2JG

Black Country Circult
Flnancial Slatsments
Year ended 31 August 2023
Pa9es
Trustees, annual report
Independent examinerfs report to the trustees
1to8
statement of financial activities
10
statement of financial position
11
Notes to the financial statetnents
12to21

Black Country Circuit
Trustees. Annual Report
Year ended 31 August 2023
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charlty for the year
ended 31 August 2023.
R8fgronce and admlnistralivg detalls
R8glster8d charlty namo
Black Country Circuit
Charlty r•gistratlon number
1168391
Prlncipal office
Circuf( OffKe
Leabrook Methodist Church
Leabrook Road North
WednesbLrry
WSIO 7LY
Ind¢p?ndent examiner
Philippa Miller-Hawkes BA CA
3B Swallowfield Coutyard
Wolverhampton Road
Oldbury
Wesl Midlands
B69 2JG

Black Country Circuit
Trustses, Annual Report (coniirtu8dJ
Year ended 31 August 2023
structure, govèrnance and managemant
The governing document for the Circuit is the Deed of Union (19321 and Melhodisl Church Acl119761
Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constiiutional Practice and Discipline of the
Methodist Church by order of the annual conference ICPD}.
Day to day management of the Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team along with the
Local Preachers, meeling.
The members of the Blad( Country Circuit meeting are the Charty Trustees, membership being made
up of circuit office holders, ministe[5 and representatives appointed by the Ictal churches.
Mlnlsters
Revd Ruth Child5
Revd Denise Williams
Revd Juliet Kisob
Revd Carole Holden ISupernumerary}
Lay-workers
Miss Diane Cripps {Administratorl lunlil 31108r20231
Mrs Heather Pearce (from April 2023)
Local Preacher8 and Worship Leader Reprgsgntatlvgs
Mr Trevor Allen
Mr John Blewitt
Mrs Jean Mason
Circult Stewards
Mrs Helen Allen
Mr Donald Anderson
Mr David Ashfield
Mr lan Belcher
Mr Malcolm Freeman
Mr lan Palfreyman
Mr Christopher Pearce (also L¢Kal Preachers Secretary)
Ms Shirley Shelton
Mr lan Thomson
Circuit Treasurer
Mr John Miller (Until 30th November 2023)
Circuit Officers IProp8rtyl
Mr Donald Anderson
Mr Alex C¢x)ksey
Clrcult Safoguardlng CO￿rdInator

Black Country Circuit
Trustees, Annual Report fconllnu
Year ended 31 August 2023
Mr lan Belcher
Clrcuit Representatlves to Synod
Mrs Helen Allen
Mr Stephèn Allen
Mrs Rosemary Jones
Mr John Blewill
Circult Church Repre8entativ8s
Beeches Road - Mrs Graee Peijmalu and Mr Robert Peumalu
Charlemonl- Miss Linda Haywood and Mr Paul Reynolds
Hill Top- MIS Joan Howes
Lea Brook - Mr John Imlliams
Methodist Centre - Mrs Jennifer Bibb, Mr Les1￿ Charters and Mrs Vanessa Hill
New Road - Mrs Jean Mason, Mr Trevor ￿len
Park- Mrs Pat Foley and Mrs Gaynor Idles
Roseville- Mrs Sylvia Morran, Mrs Kathryn Tumer, Mr Ronakj Turner and Mrs Sally-Anne Westwoc
Ryders Green- Mr Terry Dawson. Mr Alex Cooksey
Sl Andreyrfs - Mrs June Davies and Miss Margaret Morgan
Tipton Green - Mrs MaTJorie Ashfield, Mrs Rosemary Jones. Mrs Margaret Moore and Miss Susan
Sandbrook
Toll End - Mrs Sylvia Harrison, Mrs Pauline HcKlgetts and Miss Pollard
Wednesbury Icenlral & Woodsl- Mrs Judith Morgan. Mrs Esther Weslbury
Wesley- Mr Stephen Allen, Mr lan Collett and Mr Malcolm Wills
Trustee Trnining
A range of guidance is produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effeclwe running of the
Circuit, specifically the leaflet 'The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church, is given lo all new
Circuit meeting members as induction to their role as Trustees.

Black Country Circuit
Trustees, Annual Report(cotthued)
Year ended 31 August 2023
Structur9> govgrnanca and management f¢oniinuedJ
Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been pr￿ared on the basis that there remains 3 full
lime ordained staff with anlicipaled cost of living stip8nd incTeases but with an increased, subsidised
cost, of our administrator and any ministerial support worker that may be appoinl8d.
The future number of churches in the Circurt cannot be predicted al present but, especially in view of
the financial s(£ualion of some chuiche5,' the number of 5etvices to be covered in the Plan coupled
with the number of presbyters in post and the reduction in lay preachers. Ih8re is a likelihood that
some will close.
Zoom meeting5 a￿ likely tD conb"nue, al least in the short term, especially in winter months. as will the
Circuit's new sub-committee structure as this is felt to be a vttal way for lay persons to support
Presbyters.
A group has been Sel up lo consider a community linked proied lo make good use of our reserves.
This rTiay include employing one ftjll lime and one part time member of staff lo assist in developing
what we hope will be￿rne an ex￿ling venture for the Circuit.
Objgctives and activities
Aims and Organisation
The purposes of th8 Methodist Church are, and shall be deemed lo have been since the Dale of
Union, the advancement of..
al The Chrbstian faith in accordance with the dc¢trinal standards and discipline of The Methodist
Church.,
b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, Iccal, or other
oiganisation of The Melhodist Church.,
c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any soGiety or insthution subsidiary or ancillary to The
Methodist Church-
dl Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a tharity subsidiary or ancillary lo The
Methodist Church.
The Circuit produces a quarterly preaching plan to ensure that regular acts of worship lake plate at
each of the 13 Methodist Churches in its geographical area. The Black Country Circurt 18 constituted to
offer acts of worship in rts church communrf(ies and lo further the mission of the Church in Tipton, West
Bromwich & Wednesbury. With our primary internal function being that of Christian worship, we
organise acts of worship in each of the 13 Circuit churches every Sunday lin most case51. Our internal
structure is based on a Circutt Meeting which meets twice a year, a Local Preachers, meeting which
meets four limes a year", Circuit Leadership Team meetings throughout the year, and Staff Meetings
which nomially meet fortnightty We endeavour to make our meetings more than just 'lalking shops,;
they are the place where important decisions ore made and within them, we plan our slrategies and
lulfil our role as Charity Trustees.
Public Bgngfit
We confirm the trustees have had regard lo the Charity Commission's guidance on publi¢ benefit.

Black Country Circuit
Trustees. Annual Report (contlnu8dJ
Year ended 31 August 2023
AGhigvgments and perfo￿an¢0
The financial year for year ended 31$1 Augu$t proved to be one of consolid*ion. Life has proved
difficult for churche5 as they strive lo recover from the affects of the Covid pandemic. Income was IDSI
due lo a reduction in congregation sizes and some loss of lellings. However il was good lo return lo
normal worship services and there are signs in some ¢hur¢hes that new people are attending worship.
The cosl-of-living increase continues lo cause increased expenditure particularty for gas and electricity
resulting in some decrease of viability of some churche5 in the future. However most churches have
maintained their contribution to the Circuit Fund in the current year.
The Circuit éid announce the closure of Park Methodist Church in May 2023 and il was decided that
the building woukj be offered for sale. This should take place in 2024.
Following the resignation of Mrs Eloabelh Fadey lemployed as Pastoral worker until 31108r20221 il
wa$ deeided to replace her with a part time pastoral assistsnl and Mrs Heather Pearce has been
appointed lo this post effective trom April 2023. Since then in August 2023 Diane Cripps the Circuit
Admirbistralor resigned: but we are happy to report that in September 2023 Mrs Karen Belcher was
appointed as the new Circuit Adminislrator.
The Circuit Finances are in a heatthy position thanks to the sales income from Moodands Methodist
Church. Some of this income has been ring fenced for a Circuit project entitled Circuit Connect Project
which intends lo fosler links between the church and the communtty. The first tranche of thi5 proje
will be to appoint a Family and Children Worker.
The situation with regard to Local Preachers in the Black Counlry Circuit is proving to be a difficult
one. There are ￿e1ve active Local Preachers plus three on trial and these plus the ministers have lo
cover services in twelve churches. This means that there are a significant nurTbber of services that are
covered by Local Arrangements. We also have once a quarter sector services which have met with
varied success ané are constantly under review.
Our mcdus operandum is inspired and celebrated in our main actwrties of worship and mission.
Mission and work in our IcKal communtties is an essential part of our mission and there are communiry
activities in mosl of our chuiche5: which have increased stgnrficantly post Covid. A significant part of
the sales income from Moorfands has b￿￿ ring fenced for the expenses linked with the Circuit
Connect Project. Some progre55 has been tnade on this and we hope lo appoint a Family and
Children's worker in the near future. Th15 is an ongoing project
We still house two Ukrainian families in two of our Manses and this will continue next year.
We would extend a big thank you to all those who have committed themselves to the work and
mission of the Circuit and who provide invaluable support to the Minislefial and Administrative staff.
The Circuit Leadership Team is very active in the lrfe of the Circuit and provide expertise in financial,
property, worship and other facets of church Irfe and provide support lo all our churches.

Black Country Circuit
Trustees. Annual Report (contlnu8dJ
Year ended 31 August 2023
Flnancial revlew
Circuit income is derived mainly from the assessments paid by the irbdividual CiTCUrt church?5 and
during the year the 2S5essmenls were £191:777 12022 £192,268). Most churches pay by standing
order on a quarterly basis: but some pay monthly lo lessen the burden on their cash flow. Interest
received showed an increase at £19,453 due lo the investment of Moorlands sales income. There was
grant income from the Districl in support of our Pastoral Support worker of £10.000. Minislerfs stipends
and associated costs showed an increase reffecling the annual increase of sts"pends.
Property costs rose due lo the Circutt now being responsible for the maintenance of the Park and
Hallam Street churches. The Circuf( receNe5 rentsl income frorn Hallam Street tenants and this
situation is under constant review. Park is awaiting sale by auction. All the chur¢h and manse
properties are in a slate of good repair.
As at 31 sl August 2023, unrestricted reserves excluding Land and Buildings stood at £599.435 12022
£636,033}. The Circurt finances are in a relatively healthy position due to the closure and sale of
church properties not withstanding that individual churches are struggling lo break even. As a result
£70:000 was made available to churches lo assist in any caprtal expenditure bul as al 31st August
2023 only £24,724 had been spent. The Circuit Leadership Team will continue lo monitor the financial
affairs of the Circuit
Plans for 2023124
Budgels for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that thw presbyters will be in post
together with a paid part-time Circult Administrator and a paid part-time Pa51oral Support worker.
The Manses situation will be kept under review bul there is a distinct possibility that further church
closures may lake place and the properties sold. This will help to maintain a healthy Circuit financial
profile.
The Circuit Connect Project will be taken forward and the first part of tsking on a Famity and Children's
Worker will hopefully be completed in the current year.

Black Country Circuit
Trustees, Annual Report (cgnlinu6d)
Year ended 31 August 2023
Financial rgvlew fconllnu¢
Re8ervgs Pollcy Gonèral
It 1$ the Trustees, policy to maintain a balance of unrestricted and undesignaled funds equivalent tD
around six months average unrestricted expenditure: lo cover unexpected requirements which may
occur from tirne to time. Due lo the uncertain future of some ot our churches our reserves are currently
above six months expenditure to support our future expenditure plans without having to impose
subslanlial increases in annual as$e$5ments. Oui Teserves will diminish over the next few years as we
subsidise the position of our planned Circuil Ministerial Support Worker and Circuit Adminislralor and
the new community initiative.
The policy of only sknwly reducing reserves has been vindicated in the cur￿nt financial situation as
some churches are facing serious financial problems bul the Circuit itself 15 in a strong posrtion to
support the work of the Methodisl Church in the Black Country.
Risk Managomgnt
The m8jttr risks associated with the Circuit have been identifi&J by the Circuit Leadership Team. A
regular review process is in place and is recorded.
Saf•guardlng
Every person has a value and dignity which comes directy from the creation of male and female in
God's own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as ￿￿Illed by God's re-creation of us in
Christ. Arnong other things this impl￿5 a duty lo value all people as bearing the imag8 of God and
therefore to prolè¢l them from ham.
Methodist Connexional practice outlines commtlment to the following principles..
- the care and nurture of. and respectfvl pastoral ministy with. all children: young people and adults
the safeguarding and protection of all children. young peDple and adulls when they are vulnerable
the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is
informed vigilance as lo the dangers of abuse.
we will carefulty select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer
Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and regislralion with the
relevant vetb'ng and barring schemes.
we will respond without delay to every complaint made whtch suggests that an adult, child or young
person may have been harmed, coopeiating wiLh 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 infomied pastoral care.
- we will seek to challenge any abuse of Pchver. especially by anyone in a position of trust.
we will seek lo offer pastoral care and support, including supervision ané refertal to the proper
aulhorilies, tD any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young
person or vulnerable adult.
in all these PTinciples we will follow legislatM)n. guidance and recognised good practice.
The Black Country Circuit eommils itsell to ensuring the implementation of the Connexlonal
Safeguarding Policy, government legislation. guidance and safe practi￿ in the circuit and in our

Black Country Circuit
Trustees. Annual Report (¢onllnued)
Year ended 31 August 2023
Flnan¢ial revlew (Mnllnued)
churches, including catrying out enhance(l DBS checks as required.
The Black Country Circuit commits rtsew 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 adutts who may be vulnerable. We adhere to
the church's Safer Recruitment Policy.
Following the lifting of Cov1￿19 restrickn'ons over the last connexional year and life starting to relum
to normal: both Foundation Module and Advanced Module trainings have resumed. These have been
conducted both online (using Zoom) and fac&lo-face. This approach has proved successful and will
continue into this connexional year and for the foreseeable futu￿. Our prioTlty for Advanced Module
Training has been our ￿aderS of worship (Presbylers, Supemumeraries, Local Preacher5 and
Worship Leaders) to ensure they can continue to in their roles beyond the church's 31 sl August 2022
deadline, After this date, those who have not undertaken Advanced Module Training cannot be on
Plan. We achieved this target. DBS checks have continued to be carried out over the last coinnexional
year. surpassing the number of checks undertaken in previou5 years. Our Circuit Safeguarding
Officer, lan Belcher, continues lo meet regularty with our Church Safeguarding Officers
both
informally and al regularty held formal meetings lo ensure that best practice is being followed in our
churche5 and that effective C￿munICation about Safeguarding matters continues. lan'5 four priorit￿8,
as agreed by CLT and the Circuit Meeting, for this connexional year remain..
- to ensure the correct level of training is urflaken by our church members, depending on their Tole
. to ensure that DBS checks are carried out by OUT members, appropriate to their role
lo ensure that the principles laid out in the Safer Recruitment Policy are known and adhered to lo
support our Church Safeguarding Offic8rs in their work
The trustees. annual report was approved on 8 August 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of
trustees by..
Revd D Williams
Trustee
Mr D Ashfield
Trustee

Black Country Circuit
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Black Country Circuit
Year ended 31 August 2023
I report lo the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Black Country Circuit I'lh
charity'l for the year ended 31 August 2023.
Respon$ibilitie$ and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsib￿ for the preparation of the financial statements in
acGordance with the requirements of the Charittes Act 2011 Ilhe Acl'l.
I report in respect of my examination of the charty's financial slatements carried out under section 145
of th8 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given
by the Charity Commission under seelion 14515llbl of the A¢L
Independent •xamlnerf8 Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have como lo my attention in
connection with the examinats.on gNing me cause to believe Ihat in any material respect,.
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charty as required by section 130 of the
the financial statements do not accord wrth those rerords,. or
the financial statements do not compty wf(h the applicable requirements concerning the
forn and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations
2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair, view which is not a
matter considered a5 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
acwunts lo be reached.
P. . ¥￿1£
Philippa Miller-Hawkes BA CA
Independent Examiner
38 Swallowfield Courtyard
Wolverhampton Road
Oldbury
West Midlands
B69 2JG
8 August 2024

Black Country Circuit
statsment of Flnancial Activities
Year ended 31 August 2023
2023
Circuit model
General lund
trust
lunrestn"ctedl {unrestrictedl Total funds
2022
Total funds
Note
Income and endowments
Charitabl& aelivities
Investment income
Other income
201.777
22,190
6,057
201,777
35,579
6,057
202,298
668,669
1,251
13,389
Total Income
23Q,024
13,389
243,413
872,218
Expenditur8
Expenijiture on charitable activities
Total expenditur8
254,589
24,212
278,801
278,801
499,284
499,284
254.589
24,212
Nel losses on investments
1,210
1.210
1,939
Net {gXPgnditurelllncom• and ngt
movgmgnt In funds
124,5651
{12,033)
136.598}
370,995
Reconclliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Transfer
1,425,617
87,324
480,416
187.3241
381.059
1,90e,033
1,535,038
Total funds carrled forward
1.488.376
1,869,435
1.906,033
The slalemenl of financial activities include5 all gains and h)sses rec¢yJnised in the year,
All incomè and expenditure derive fiom continuing aclivilies.
The notes on pag•$ 12 to 21 fomi part of these flnancial statemgnts.
10

Black Country Circuit
Statement of Financial Position
31 August 2023
2023
2022
Note
Flxgd assets
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
12
13
675.000
595.000
855.000
415,000
1,270,000
1,270,OJO
Current a86•t8
Debtors
Investments
Cash al bank and in hand
14
15
15.064
381,059
234,129
63D,252
13,193
480,416
170,396
664,005
CrgditorB- amount$ falllng duo wilhin one yoar
Net current assots
16
30,817
599,435
1,869,435
27,972
636,033
1,906,033
1,906,033
Total assets less current1Sabilitie8
Net assets
1,869,435
Funds ofthe chaiity
Circuit model trust lunrestrictedl
General fund lunrestrictedl
Total charity funds
381,059
1,488,376
480,416
1,425,617
1,906,033
17 1,869,435
These financial statements We￿ approved by the board of trustees and aulhorised for issue on 8
August 2Q24, and are signed on behalf of the board by..
Mr D Ashfeld
Trustee
The not•8 on pages 12 to 21 fom part of these financial statements.
11

Black Country Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 31 August 2023
G•neral Informatlon
The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is
unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Circuit Office, Leabrook Methodist Church,
Leabrook Road North, Wednesbury. WS10 7LY.
Statemgnt of compllance
These financial stalem8nls have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, The Financial
Reporting Standard applicab￿ in the UK and the Republic of Ireland,, the Slalement of
Recommended Practice applicable lo tharities preparing Iheii accounts in accordance with the
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (Charities
SORP IFRS 1Q21} and the Charities A¢t 2011.
Accountlng policles
Publlc benefit entity
The Black Country Circurt meets the definitK)n of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets
and liabilities are initialty recognised al historical cost 0¢ transaction value unless otherwise
stated in the relevant accourrting policy notes below.
Basis of prgparatlon
The financial statements have been Prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the
Tevaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at lair
value through income or expendilure.
The financial statements are prepared in $terfing, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Golng concern
Based on the monetary assets and human resources available al 31 Augusl 2023, the Trustees
believe that the Circuit is a going concem_
Dlsclosurè exemptions
The entity satisfies the criteria of being a qualifying entity as defined in FRS 102. A5 such,
advantage has been taken of the following disdosure exemptions available under paragraph
1.12 of FRS 102..
la) No cash flow ststemenl has been presented for the company.
Ibl Disclosures in respect of financial instruments have not been presented.
Consolldation
The Circuit has denominational regulatory oversight in respect of the work of the Churches within
the Circuit but has no legal or operational control of those Churches and their governing bodies
except in extreme circumstance$. For this reason, the h"nancial statemenls ol Churches within the
Circuit are not consolidated into these financial statements.
12

Black Country Circuit
Notes to the Financlal Statements fconthu8d)
Year ended 31 August 2023
Accountlng pollcies (¢Olltinu
Judgements and key sources of estlmation uncertalnty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements,
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements
are continually reviewed and are based on experignce and other factors, in¢luding expectslions
of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstsnces.
No significant estimates or judgements have been made by management when preparing the
financial slalements. The policies follThved are shown belDW.
Grants
Grants made by the Circuii from its own funds are recognised in fvll at the time of agreement to
make a grant. wilhout pertormance condilions or as and when the Circuit accepts that there is a
legal or operational obligation lo make the payment if rt is subject lo performance conditions.
When the grant is recurrent over more than one year the balance payable in future years 18
Irealed as a provision for future commthents in the Balance Sheet against the appropriate fund,
the provision being released in in future years as instalments are paid in accordance with the
originally agreed terms.
VAT
Since the Circuit is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which il
refers.
Incomlng resources
Income is included in the Stat￿ent of Financial ACtiV￿eS ISOFAI when the Circuit becomes
entitles lo the resources, and the trustees are ￿aSOnablY certain that they will re￿1ve the
re50urces- and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Rgsourcgs expended
This rs recognised when a Itability is incurred. or a ¢onstructThie obligation arises, where the
amount is reliably measurable and it is considered more likety than not that there will be an
outftow of econotnic benefrt.
Tangible assets
These are capilalised if they can be used for more than one year. and individually cost al least
£1,000. The freehold property is shown in the accounts al 2015 values following a revaluation of
the properties by Wakeman Chartered Surveyors an independent valuer. No depreciation is
provided on the buildings because the Iruslees consider the current residual value of the property
in its present condition lo be not less Ihan its current value, and in the absence of any evidence
of impairment, any depieciation provish)n would not be material
13

Black Country Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements (COmthue(Q
Year ended 31 August 2023
Charitable activities
Gen8ral fund Totsl Funds General fund Total Funds
{unTestrictedl
2023 lunreslrictedl
2022
Assessmen15 on Churches
District Advance Fund
191,777
10,000
201.T17
191.777
10,000
192,298
10,000
202,298
192,298
10,000
202,298
201.777
The Circuit comprtses of 15 churches and each is assessed for a contribution lo meet the overall
nel costs of the Circuil. During 2017 the Circuit adopted a new method of raising ils assessments
in order lo ensure Ihat each church's contn"bution is assessed on a fairer basis than that used in
the past. The method lakes account, to some degree, of rnembership, attendance, income and
reserves bul the increases are then reconsidered lo en$ure that no one church bears the brunt of
a large in¢rease lor decrease) in their assessmenL Churches who are able to pay a little more
than required help lo offset the burden on struggling churches.
Investmènt income
CirGurt model
General fund
trust Totsl Funds
lunrestricted} lunrestriGted}
2023
Income from inveslmenl properties
Income from cash investments
Capital receipts
16,126
16,126
19,453
13,389
22,190
13,389
35,579
Circuit mDdel
General fund
trust Total Funds
lunreslrictedl lunrestrictedl
2022
Income from investment propefknes
Incomo from cash investments
Capital receipts
5,590
620
5,590
2,066
661,013
668,S69
1,446
661,013
6.210
662,459
Other income
General fijnd Total Funds Genero1 fvnd Total Funds
(unrestr'cled)
2023 {unreslrictedl
2022
other charitable income
6.057
6,057
1,251
1,251
14

Black Country Circuit
Notss to the Financial Ststements (¢onllnu¢d)
Year ended 31 August 2023
Expenditure on charitable actlvities by fund typo
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Model Trust
Fund 2023 Fund 2023
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Model Trust
2023 Fund 2022 Fund 2022
2022
Grants and donations
Salaries and associated
costs
District assessment and
levy
Connexional
a$$e$$ment model trust
levy
Property costs
Other oulgoings
Office expenses
961
136,045
136.045
165,894
165,894
42,960
28,650
71,610
43,194
2,014
45,208
(4,4381
14,438)
42,639
30,672
2.273
240,405
240,405
40,014
2,612
4,190
42,639
30,672
2,273
40,014
2,612
4,190
254,589
24.212
278.801
256,865
242,419
499,284
Grants and donatlons
Unre3tricted
Circuit
General Model Tru$t
Fund 2023 Fund 2023
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Modèl Trust
2023 Fund 2022 Fund 2022
2022
Fund for Ihe support of
presbyters and deacons
Methodist Church Fund
for property
Outreach Project
720
720
200
41
200
41
961
961
Dlstrlct a8$essm¢nt and levy
In commcin wrf(h other circurts in the Distnct: the Circuit pays an annual assessment to the
Wofverh8mpton & Shrewsbury Dislriot of the Methodist Church. which is based on the number of
Methodist Presbyters and Lay Workers wrthin each circuit. The Levy is calculated on a sliding
scale percentage of the balance of the Circuivs CMT at 31 August in the previous accounting
year.
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Model Tnjsl
Fund 2023 Fund 2023
Unrestricted
Circuit
General m￿e1 Trust
2023 Fund 2022 Fund 2022
2022
District Assessment
Di$tri¢t Levy
42,960
42.960
28,650
43,194
43,194
2,014
45,208
28.650
2014
42,960
28.650
71,610
43,194
2.014
Property ¢ost8
The Circuil is Managing TTU51ee for 6 properties. All are manses or forneT manses with
fomier manses being let out on 6 month renewable shorthold leases.
15

Black Country Circuit
Notes to thè Financial Statements (¢onthyu0rfJ
Year ended 31 August 2023
Expènditurg on charitable actlvities by fund type IGontinued}
Unreslricled
Circuit
General Model Trust
Fund 2023 Fund 2023
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Model Trust
2023 Fund 2022 Fund 2022
2022
Insuranee, Council tax
and ulililies
General mainlenan¢e on
manses and other
CirGuII properties
Legal costs sale of
Moorlands MC
Legal costs
repossession ol Hill Top
Manse
14,143
14,143
11,167
11,167
28,496
28,496
19,930
19,930
6.081
6,081
2,836
40.014
2,836
42.639
42,639
40,014
Other outgoings
Unrestricted
Circurt
Genetal Model TTUSt
Fund 2023 Fund 2023
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Model Trust
2023 Fund 2022 Fund 2022
2022
Independent exam fee
Benevolent Fund
Apprenticeship levy and
payroll fee
Gifts
Capital prqect grants
Accountancy fees
Miscellaneous
1.440
1,440
300
329
300
329
99)
93
24,724
1,800
1.625
990
93
24.724
1,800
1.625
1,060
760
1,060
163
163
30.672
30,672
2,612
2,612
Offic¢ expgnses
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Model Trusl
Fund 2023 Fund 2023
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Model Trust
2023 Fund 2022 Fund 2022
2022
Website
Printing, postage,
stationery and telephone
Computer costs
Twelve Baskets and
other worghip materials
Office rènt
Miscellaneous
556
556
377
377
1,635
1,635
1.721
1,721
583
1,300
159
583
1,300
1S9
82
82
2,273
2.273
4,190
4,190
16

Black Country Circuit
Notss to the Flnancial Statements (¢onfynu¢dJ
Year ended 31 August 2023
Indep¢ndent examination fges
2023
2D22
Fee5 payable to the independent examiner for.
Independent examination of the financial statements
1,440
300
staff costs
Unrestricted
CiTcuII
General Model Trust
Fund 2023 Fund 2023
Unreslricled
Circuit
General Model Tmst
2023 Fund 2022 Fund 2022
2022
Presbyters
Lay workers
118,455
17,590
118455
17.590
121,170
44,724
165,894
121,170
44,724
136,045
136.045
165,894
Pre6byt•rs
Unrestricted
Circuit
General MTrJel Trust
Fund 2D23 Fund 2023
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Model Trust
2023 Fund 2Q22 Fund 2022
2022
Slripends and
allowances
National insurance
Pension costs
83.468
8.041
21.873
83,468
8.041
21873
80,053
7,642
20,840
80,053
7,642
20,840
113.382
4,169
57
113,382
4169
57
108,535
7,770
1,052
3,813
108,535
7,770
1,052
3,813
Telephone and travel
Postage and stationery
Mis¢ollaneous
118,455
118.455
121,170
121,170
17

Black Country Circuit
Notes lo the Financial Statsments (continued)
Year ended 31 August 2023
Staff costs (continued)
Lay WOTkg15
Unreslricled
Circuit
General Model Trust
Fund 2023 Fund 2023
Unrestricted
Circuit
General Model Trust
2023 Fund 2022 Fund 2022
2022
Salaries and allowances
National insurance
Pension costs
14,998
943
683
14.998
39,298
2,922
2,118
44,338
386
39,298
2,922
2,118
44,338
683
16,624
225
741
16,624
225
741
Telephone and travel
Miscellaneous
17,590
17.590
44,724
44,724
stipends were paid to 3 full time Presbytets. Salaries were paHI to one fvll time and one parl time
lay worker.
No employees received employee benefits of more Ihan £6D:000. There is no accrual for holiday
pay as it is immaterial. All staff are paMI at or above the living wage.
Pgnslons
Most Ordained Presbyters are members of the Methodist mIn￿terS, Pension Scheme, which is a
defined benefit scheme. The Suprerne Court held in 2014 that Melhodisl ministers are not
employees ol the Church. For simplKty. however, when dealing with National Insurance
Contributions and pension conlribulions, the terms 'employerf and 'employee' are used as they
would be in an employing bc%Jy.
On the other hand, any lay employees of the Circuit would be contracbjal employees and would
have the opb.on of joining a penston scheme which the Circuit would arrange wff(h The Pension
Trust.
Costs of SuperinlendenL Presbytgrs and Trustses
The Superinlendenl of the Circuit, the other Presbyters and the remaining members of the Circuit
Leadership Team ICLTI are considered as Key Manayernent Personnel. The Superintendent
chairs meetings of the CLT and Circuf( Meelings. The members of the Circuit Meeting are the
trustees of the Circuit. The stipends, employevs NIC and ernployerfs pension contributions and
other expenses of the Presbyters of the Circuit are paid by the Circuit.
The manses are provided by the Circuit and the Circuit maintains the properties The value of
Council Tax and water charges 1$ not disclosed here as HMRC does not regaid this as a
benefit-in-kind in the hands of the minister.
l O. Truste& remuneratlon and èxpenses
Apart from the 3 Presbyters no member of the Circuit Meeting was in r￿lpt of any payment for
work undertaken on behalf of the Circuit, allhough Gertain travelling and adminislratlDn costs
were [￿MbUr8ed in particular cases.
11. Leasing commitments
Al 31 August 2023 the Circuit had rto leasing commitments.
18

Black Country Circuit
Notes to the Financlal Ststements (¢ofttinu8dJ
Year ended 31 August 2023
12. Tanglble fixed assets
Freehold
property
Cost
Al 1 September 2022
Transfers
855,000
1180,0001
675,000
At 31 August 2023
Dèpro¢iation
At 1 Sgptembgr 2022 and 31 August 2023
Carying amount
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022
675,000
855,000
13. Inve8tmenl8
Investment
properties
Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2022
Transfers
415,000
180,000
595,000
At 31 August 2023
Impairn18nt
At 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022
595,qOO
415,000
All investments shown above are held al valuation.
Inve$tment propgrtlas
Inveslment properties consist of three fomer rnanses currenlfy let under the governmenfs
sGheme to assist Ukrainian refugees.
14. Debtors
2023
2022
Other debtor$
15,064
13,193
19

Black Country Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements (ooftthued)
Year ended 31 August 2023
16. Investments
2023
2022
Model Trust Fund
381,059
480,416
The funds that SUPPOrt the Circuit Model Trust Fund are held by TMCP in the Trustees Interest
Fund Dn which interest is credited each month. TMCP is the legal owner and custodian trustee of
all Methodist model trust property including legacies, endowments and accumuialed funds.
16. Creditots.. amounts falllng due within one year
2023
2022
A¢cruals and deferred income
Other creditors
1.070
29.747
5,747
22,225
30,817
27.972
17. Analysis of charltabl¢ funds
Opening
balance
Gains on
Income invesknents
Closing
balance
Transfer Expendfture
General
Circurt Model Trust Fund
11,425,617)
1230.024)
1480,4161
{13:389)
11,9Cf,0331 {243.413)
{87,3241
87,324
254,589 11,488,376)
24,212
1381,0591
278.801 11,869,435)
1,210
1,210
18. Analysls of net assèts bètween funds
Circuit model
General fund
trust Total Funds
(unrestricted) lunre$tri¢ledl
2023
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Creditors less than 1 year
Net assets
1.270,000
1,270,000
381,059
249,193
130,8171
1,869,435
381,059
249,193
(30,8171
1.488.376
381.059
Circuit model
Geneial fund
trust Total Funds
(unreslrictedl lunreslrictedl
2022
Tangible r￿ed assets
Investments
Current assels
Credilors less than 1 year
Net assets
1,270,000
1.270,000
480,416
183,589
(27,972
1,906,033
480,416
183.589
(27:972}
1,425.617
480,416

Black Country Circuit
Notes to the Financial Ststsments (ctsniinued)
Year ended 31 August 2023
19. Relatgd parties
Related Parties include The Methodist Connexion, the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District,
Churches within the Circuii Ili$ted below). CFB and TMCP.
Beaches Road
Charlemonl
Hallam Street
Hill Top
Lea Brook
Methodist Centre
New Road
Park
Roseville
Ryders Gr*n
Sl Andrews
Tipton Gree
Toll End
Wesley
Wednesbury Central
Woods
21