HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH PONTYPRIDD AKA Hope Church Rhydyfelin
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REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] JANUARY 2024 TO 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 _______
C Management Services 69 Velindre Road Whitchurch Cardiff CF14 2TF
HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH PONTYPRIDD
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
CHARITY INFORMATION
Trustees:
Jon Ryan (Chair from October 24) Ryan Denne (Chair until resignation in October 2024) Andrew Murray Mayuri Hargest (resigned April 2025) Anna Pitt (resigned May 2025) Andrew Davies (resigned July 2025) Tim Davies (appointed March 2025) Jason Ferreira (appointed May 2025)
Pastor: Jon Ryan Treasurer: Anna Pitt (until May 2025), Tim Davies (present) Charitable position: Registered Charity number 1170304 Governing Document: CIO Foundation Model dated 22[nd] November 2016
Address for correspondence: Hope Rhydyfelin Masefield Way, Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd CF37 5ES Independent Examiner: Paul Burnell ACMI C Management Services 69 Velindre Road CARDIFF CF14 2TF
Bankers:
HSBC 37 Cardiff Road Caerphilly Mid Glamorgan CF83 1WE
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CONTENTS
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| CHARITY INFORMATION | 2 |
| REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES | 4 |
| Structure, Governance, and Management | 4 |
| Appointments | 4 |
| Meetings | 4 |
| Spending | 4 |
| Communication | 4 |
| Oversight | 4 |
| Objectives and Activities | 5 |
| Charity Purposes | 5 |
| Activities | 5 |
| In accordance with objective (a) | 5 |
| In accordance with objective (b) | 5 |
| In accordance with objective (c) | 6 |
| Statement on Public Benefit | 6 |
| Achievements and Performance | 6 |
| Financial Review | 6 |
| Financial Summary (1st January 2024 - 31st December 2024) | 7 |
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT | 8 |
| RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT | 9 |
| STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | 10 |
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS | 11 |
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HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH PONTYPRIDD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the period ended 31st December 2024.
Structure, Governance, and Management
Appointments
New Trustees are appointed from within the church/charity by existing trustees. New trustees are provided with a copy of the organisation’s governing document, the charity's latest accounts and meeting minutes, as well as various links to online guides and resources in order to help assist them in their role.
The role of chair of trustees was passed to existing trustee Jon Ryan in October 2024.
Meetings
Meetings occur approximately quarterly depending on agendas. Trustees discuss safeguarding, finance, personnel and property; making decisions about the direction of the charity as deemed necessary. Meetings in 2024 were held online for ease and accessibility to all trustees. Meeting notes from the meetings were made available to all trustees.
Spending
Spending either of interest or above £500 is run by Trustees first informally. Salaries are re-evaluated every 6 months. No salary changes occurred in the year.
Communication
For convenience, much of the communication between trustees was done using informal communication methods such as WhatsApp. E-mail communication was used for more formal communication between trustees. E-mails are stored and can be used as evidence of decisions alongside Trustee meeting minutes.
Oversight
The Charity is connected with several organisations: the Catalyst network of churches (part of New Frontiers), New Wine Cymru, and the Evangelical Alliance. These organisations continue to provide insight and guidance, supporting the church and bringing wider recognition.
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Objectives and Activities
Charity Purposes
The charity’s objects remain:
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(a) To advance the Christian faith in Wales and in such other parts of the United Kingdom and the world;
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(b) The prevention or relief of poverty in Wales and in such other parts of the United Kingdom and the world; and
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(c) To fulfil such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected to the charitable work of the charity.
Activities
In accordance with objective (a)
In 2024 the charity held regular public meetings to worship God, preach from the Bible and have fellowship together. Guest speakers from other local churches were a regular feature as well as our “All-Age Services”, which were held roughly once a month. The allage services in particular often brought in families from the local community who had not previously attended our more traditional services, and provided great opportunities to share the christian faith with those not very familiar with it.
Collaborations and friendships with other local churches continued to grow in 2024. For a second year we had teams of South Koreans come to pray for us collectively as local churches. Each day the team moved to a different location and there were lots of interactions and shared prayers between the different congregations. As a response to the increased sense of unity between the local churches in April 2024 a “prayer and praise” service was launched. These have been held once every two or three months since.
Our weekly online Bible studies, where we studied the book of Psalms continued into October, and in place of life-groups, a men’s group and a women's group were established in March. These groups provide great opportunities for growing friendships and encouraging people in their faith.
In January we had the privilege of baptising two of the young adults that had been attending our services for over a year.
In accordance with objective (b)
We continued to support the work of the foodbank throughout the year, providing regular donations, as well as a special donation given as part of our harvest festival themed allage service. The number of food vouchers given out decreased from the previous year which was good to see.
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In accordance with objective (c)
As in previous years, we worked in collaboration with Rhydyfelin Community Group, supporting community events during the summer and concluding the year with volunteers dressed as elves chasing Santa Claus around Rhydyfelin shouting merry christmas and giving out free chocolates to children. Even though there was heavy rainfall people still lined the streets with beaming faces. Continuing with the event despite the severe weather seemed to make people appreciate the efforts that were made even more, and we had many lovely messages from people in the community as a result thanking us for our hard work.
Statement on Public Benefit
The charity trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in determining the activities undertaken by the charity during the year.
Achievements and Performance
Overall the charity's objectives have been achieved. Objectives (a) and (c) have been met more fully than objective (b), which has largely been due to many plans for poverty relief relying on the use of the building which still requires a lot of repair and renovation prior to use.
Financial Review
The charity has received continued giving through stewardship, monthly donations, oneoff donations and sponsorship of our full-time community worker. Most funds are raised through members giving monthly to the charity.
The charity does not have a reserves policy, but it has been decided approximately £2000-£3000 would be the appropriate level of total unprotected funds required to end the activities of the charity not already provided for or paid for within 3 months. This includes ‘redundancy’ type payments to any employees, stopping direct debits and rent payments and informing members they may wish to stop giving temporarily or permanently.
Initial Funds (1[st] January 2024): £10,362.90 (inc. £3,073.56 reserves) Concluding Funds (31st December 2024): £ 7,205.75 (inc. £3,133.55 reserves)
Operational funding has mostly been met by monthly or weekly giving by members who attend weekly meetings. Average regular operational giving for 2024 (including all sponsorship, stewardship giving and monthly giving), was approximately £1,812 per month [2023: £2,378] excluding Gift Aid. £250 [2023: £300] of this is direct sponsorship of our community worker. No Gift Aid was claimed during 2024 (2023: £5,206). This was reclaimed after the end of the Financial Period.
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Financial Summary (1st January 2024 - 31st December 2024)
Total income: £22,809.85 [2023: £34,015.35] Total expenditure: £25,967.00 [2023: £37,455.11]
Total Net income (expenditure): (£3,157.15) [2023: (£3,440.76)]
There is a small overall net outflow of funds during the course of the year similar to the previous year, but this represents the ongoing commitment of the charity towards the community to maintain activities regardless of monetary value.
Our current account has been quite stable thanks to decreased costs (no longer having a paid Pastor) and the generosity of supporters. Additionally, the monthly giving of members is still generally stable but does fluctuate as the church congregation varies.
It is worth noting that no gift aid for the previous year was claimed in this period, it was claimed the following financial year. Inclusion of the gift aid claimed in the following financial year of £4,445.70 would result in a small surplus of income over expenditure of £1,288.55.
Our publicly available financial review is attached as Appendix A.
This report was approved by the Trustees and is signed on their behalf by
Signature……..………………………… Name ……………………………….. Date 23[rd] September 2025 Position ……………………………..
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH PONTYPRIDD
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the period ended 31[st] December 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Paul Burnell
Paul Burnell ACMI
For and on behalf of:
C Management Services (trading name of C Mgmnt Services Ltd) 69 Velindre Road
Cardiff CF14 2TF
Date 23[rd] September 2025
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HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH PONTYPRIDD
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2024
| Note RECEIPTS Receipts from generated funds 2 Receipts from charitable activities 3 Other receipts 4 Interest received Total Receipts PAYMENTS Charitable activities 5 Governance costs Total payments Net Receipts/(Payments) Transfers between funds Fund balances at 1 January 2024 Fund balances at 31stDecember 2024 |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ 18,017 3,970 21,987 33,738 - - - - 763 - 763 210 60 - 60 67 |
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| 18,840 3,970 22,810 34,015 |
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| 22,803 3,164 25,967 37,455 - - - - |
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| 22,803 3,164 25,967 37,455 |
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| (3,963) 806 (3,157) (3,440) - - - - 10,362 - 10,362 13,802 |
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| 6,399 806 7,206 10,362 |
The notes on pages 11-12 form part of these accounts.
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HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH PONTYPRIDD
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| 1. Fixed Assets The value of the assets owned are Buildings (Purchase price) Equipment (Insurance value) 2. Bank & Cash Balances Cash at bank and in hand 3. Other Assets and Liabilities Assets Gift aid tax recovery not yet received Incorrectly charged electricity Liabilities Unbilled fee for Independent Examination |
2024 2023 £ £ 237,500 237,500 6,604 6,604 244,104 244,104 2024 2023 £ £ 7,206 10,362 7,206 10,362 2024 2023 £ £ 8,020 3,348 392 - |
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|---|---|---|
| 8,412 3,348 300 300 |
The accounts were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 23rd September 2025
Signed ………………..…………………………………………………………..
Name ………………..…………………………………………………………..
The notes on pages 11-12 form part of these accounts.
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HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH PONTYPRIDD NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
1. Accounting Policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis with a statement of assets and liabilities
| 2. Voluntary receipts Gift Aid donations Sponsorship for Heather Other donations Tax recovered 3. Receipts from charitable activities Conferences and events 4. Other Receipts Other sundry receipts Refunds 5. Charitable activities a. Direct Charitable Costs Salaries & staff expenses Eden/Message expenses Speaker expenses Other ministry/evangelism expenses b. Support and Administration Premises rental and expenses Administration and general expenses Insurance & professional fees Training & conferences c. Grants Evangelical Alliance New Wine Cymru Catalyst Network PCY |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2024 £ Total 2023 £ 11,510 1,000 12,510 13,392 - 2,970 2,970 3,581 6,507 - 6,507 11,560 - - - 5,205 |
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| 18,017 3,970 21,987 33,738 |
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| - - - - |
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| Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2024 £ Total 2023 £ - - - 200 763 - 763 10 |
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| 763 - 763 210 |
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| Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2024 £ Total 2023 £ 14,929 1,902 16,831 24,751 - 1,068 1,068 1,092 - - - 317 1,049 - 1,049 819 |
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| 15,978 2,970 18,948 26,979 |
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| 3,773 194 3,967 7,547 917 - 917 331 1,266 - 1,266 1,158 30 - 30 - |
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| 5,986 194 6,180 9,036 |
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| 240 - 240 240 600 - 600 600 - - - 500 - - - 100 |
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| 840 - 840 1,440 |
6. Staff and Trustees
The charity has one part-time employed member of staff who is connected to trustee Jon Ryan. No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.
Expenses of £269 were paid to trustee Jon Ryan and were paid in his capacity as Pastor of the church to attend conferences and to reimburse him for resources for his training.
No remuneration or trustee expenses were paid to any other trustee during the year, nor to any person connected to them.
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7. Funds
The restricted funds represent amounts received for specific purposes and the movements in the year are as follows:
| Property Development Fund | Opening Balance £ Receipts £ Payments £ Transfers in the year £ Closing balance £ - 1,000 (194) - 806 |
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| - 1,000 (194) - 806 |
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APPENDIX A: PUBLICLY AVAILABLE (UPON REQUEST) FINANCIAL REVIEW FOR CHARITY
2024 Financial Review
Hope’s leadership structure was subject to continued change during 2024 with the chair of Trustees stepping down and Jon Ryan taking over which impacted on the effectiveness of the charity, as expected. Fundraising for the building remained on hold during 2024, whilst maintaining minimum repairs to the building.
Income:
Regular giving dropped during 2024 due to a changing congregation. Our Gross income was nearly £22,000 (£34,000 in 2023). General income averaged £1,500 a month (from £2,000 in 2023). HR’s sponsors gave £2,970 which was another slight reduction from last year but still covers approximately 25% of her salary. No transfers were required from reserves and we gained £59.99 interest.
No claim for gift aid was made during the year, however we continued to receive gifts through the year from Brynmawr and a generous one-off gift of £1,000 directly towards the building fund. We continued to be fortunate enough to receive gifts through the year from Brynmawr.
Income sources show similar proportion of giving again, although a higher proportion was from tithing than stewardship largely due to the changing make-up of the congregation giving directly through tithing rather than through stewardship.
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Expenditure:
Hope’s Expenditures decreased by £11,000 during 2024, this is in large part due to no longer paying £8,000 to the Pastor, smaller reductions in running and community costs (totalling £1,700) and a significant reduction in building expenditure (£1,400) whilst the building project was paused. Only £193 was spent on the building purely to maintain the state of disrepair.
Hope largest expenditure continues to be on HR’s salary (inc. pension) accounting for 65% of total expenditure, excluding the building fund. This is expected due to how the church operates, though our largest proportion yet sadly. For transparency, HR’s salary is £1,306pcm (after pension deductions but before tax @ Jan 2025).
Speakers £
*Other: DBS, Payroll, insurance, childrens work, marketing,
Bills have decreased in proportion, community work, gifts and “other” expenditure have increased in proportion. The main reason for the increase in “other” expenditure is an increase in stationary, children’s work, marketing and training and conference costs as the church has looked to increase it’s focus on reaching out to the community.
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