Trinity Life Church, Royston
Trustees' Report and Accounts
For the period-ended 31 December 2024
Charity Registration No. 1181863
Trinity Life Church, Royston Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Annual Report to the Charity Commission | 1-3 |
| Report of Activities | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the accounts | 7-11 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 12 |
Trinity Life Church, Royston
Trustees' Annual Report 2024
Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Name Trinity Life Church, Royston Working Name TLC Royston Charity Registration Number 1181863 Report for the financial period 1st January to 31st December 2024 Address 4 Market Hill, Royston Hertfordshire, SG8 9JL www.tlcroyston.org.uk admin@tlcroyston.org.uk
Charity Trustees David Clark (Chairman) Matthew Hall (resigned March 2025) Antonio Gomez Paul Brown (appointed November 2024)
Structure, governance and management
Constitution Charitable Incorporated Organisation Governing Document Constitution dated 4th February 2019
Related parties The charity is affiliated to Plumbline Ministries and Ground Level Ministry Team and is a member of the Evangelical Alliance.
1
Objectives and activities
Objects of the charity To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Belief.
To relieve persons who are in conditions of need, hardship or who are aged or sick or disabled and to relieve the distress caused hereby.
Public Benefit The trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In following this guidance, the charity engages in a range of activities either on its own or with others that vary from time to time. These activities may include but are not restricted to those set out below.
Summary of activities The charity runs regular church meetings including Sunday morning celebration and small home-based groups.
The charity runs Community Support projects including MakeLunch which provides holiday meals for students on free school meals.
The charity provides teaching, training and pastoral care.
The charity supports Christian workers and organisations locally and around the world.
The charity makes grants to members and friends in circumstances of need.
The activities of the charity during the period are described in the attached report of activities.
Grant making policy Grants are made to individuals and organisations in order to further the objects of the charity as determined by the leaders of the church.
Volunteers The charity relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its activities.
2
Achievements and performance
Summary
The achievements of the charity during the period are described in the attached report of activities.
Financial review
Reserves policy
The charity aims to keep sufficient unallocated funds in reserve in order to maintain its charitable work and meet its regular commitments for about three months regardless of levels of income, and in order to be able to undertake occasional projects involving larger than normal expenditure.
Designated funds are excluded from reserves. Details of all designated funds are set out in Note 12 to the attached accounts.
Current reserves £102,257 (Unrestricted current assets not designated)
Declaration
Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the above
Signature
Full name Paul Brown
Position Treasurer
Date 25/09/2025
Signature
Full name Antonio Gomez
Position Trustee
Date 25/09/2025
3
Trinity Life Church, Royston
Report of Activities 2024
The majority of the church's effort and resources are put towards the first of the CIO's aims and objectives - the advancement of the Christian faith through worship, prayer, preaching, teaching, pastoral care and literature. It is our desire to see God's blessing and favour on all the people who live and work in the towns and villages of the Royston area and beyond.
The church meets regularly for fellowship, equipping, support and encouragement.
Overview
The church continued to function throughout the year, working towards its stated aims and objectives. Sunday gatherings and small mid-week Life Groups continued as before.
In April 2024 Peter Chapman was appointed as Pastor of TLC. He worked with a small leadership team to move the church forward, relaunching the vision of the church in June. An Alpha Course was started as an introduction to the Christian faith and a potential way of drawing people into the church.
The church had been part of Plumbline Ministries for many years. In August 2024, the Plumbline Ministries charity was closed and responsibility for the oversight of the church was passed on to Ground Level, another registered charity.
Responsibility for the Make Lunch project was passed over to Royston Evangelical Church towards the end of the year. Dads United was closed due to lack of volunteer helpers. The Pathways to Learning project continued to operate, providing after-school tuition to disadvantaged students.
Finances
The charity continues on a sound financial basis. Church collections was down slightly compared to the previous year, but income from hire of the venue, The Old Schoolhouse, increased significantly.
Paul Brown Finance Officer and Trustee
4
Trinity Life Church, Royston Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted Total for Note funds funds 2024 £ £ £ Church Collections 43,165 - 43,165 Sundry Donations 14,372 72,445 86,817 Income Tax Recovered 9,975 1,109 11,084 Venue Hire Income 21,603 - 21,603 Grants received 534 14,257 14,791 Total Donations and Legacies 89,649 87,811 177,460 Bank interest 1,416 366 1,782 Total Investment Income 1,416 366 1,782 Gains on the revaluation of Fixed Assets 55,000 - 55,000 Total incoming resources 146,065 88,177 234,242 Plumbline Ministries/Ground Level 3,740 - 3,740 Mission or ministry support 9,987 15,976 25,963 Othergifts - 1,843 1,843 Total Gifts and Grants 4 13,727 17,819 31,546 Employment costs 5 12,636 - 12,636 Office, Hall Rent and Rates - - - Repairs and Maintenance 1,009 3,243 4,252 Visiting speakers 1,000 150 1,150 Administrative expenses 6,144 12,141 18,285 Legal Expenses - - - Loan Interest 4,811 - 4,811 Other church activitycosts 12,008 6,881 18,889 Total Church Activities 37,608 22,415 60,023 Other governance costs 650 - 650 Total Resources Used 51,985 40,234 92,219 Net Movement in funds 94,080 47,943 142,023 Total funds brought forward 189,000 14,524 203,524 Transfers between funds - - - Total funds carried forward 283,080 62,467 345,547 |
Total for 2023 £ 47,215 11,689 9,828 5,347 22,461 96,540 626 626 - |
|---|---|
| 97,166 | |
| 4,200 8,545 3,123 |
|
| 15,868 | |
| 13,456 4,186 7,249 950 13,269 - 5,628 17,956 |
|
| 62,694 | |
| 630 | |
| 79,192 | |
| 17,974 185,550 - 203,524 |
5
Trinity Life Church, Royston Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
| Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total as at funds funds 31/12/2024 £ £ £ Fixed assets Tangible Assets 7 321,449 2,425 323,874 Current assets Income tax recoverable 10 1,507 534 2,041 Debtors & prepayments 10 916 - 916 Cash at bank & in hand 102,257 60,353 162,610 Total current assets 104,680 60,887 165,567 Total assets 426,129 63,312 489,441 Current liabilities Loans and overdrawn bank accounts 10,593 - 10,593 Creditors & Accruals 10 2,138 845 2,983 Total Current Liabilites 12,731 845 13,576 Net current assets 91,949 60,042 151,991 Total assets less current liabilites 413,398 62,467 475,865 Loans due after more than one year 9 130,318 - 130,318 Net assets 283,080 62,467 345,547 Funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 223,080 - 223,080 Designated funds (unrestricted) 5,000 - 5,000 Revaluation Reserve 55,000 - 55,000 Restricted funds - 62,467 62,467 Total funds 283,080 62,467 345,547 |
Total as at 31/12/2023 £ 270,327 2,453 1,092 82,908 86,453 356,780 10,593 1,209 11,802 74,651 344,978 141,454 |
|---|---|
| 203,524 | |
| 184,189 4,811 - 14,524 |
|
| 203,524 |
Approved by the Trustees on:
Signed by, on behalf of all the Trustees:
Paul Brown Date: 25/09/2025
6
Trinity Life Church, Royston Notes to the Accounts
for the period ended 31 December 2024
1 Accounting basis
These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historic cost with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014.
2 Accounting Policies
Donations, legacies and similar incoming resources are included in the accounts when the charity becomes entitled to the donation, it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Tax reclaimed on donations is included in the accounts at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Volunteers - the value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.
Investment income i.e. bank interest is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
Liabilities are generally recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure and the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Debtors are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
Governance Costs include costs of preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustees meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees.
Tangible fixed assets for use by the church are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £25. They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt. The church does not have a policy of revaluation. Depreciation is charged to the statement of financial activity on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of each asset. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
| Computer Equipment - | 4 years |
|---|---|
| Office Equipment - | 4 years |
| Church Equipment - | 4 years |
The trustees have chosen to hold the land and buildings at 4-8 Market Hill, Royston on a revaluation basis. The next revaluation is due in 2030.
7
3 Accountants Fees
Included in these accounts is £540 (2023 - £520) in fees paid for the examination of these accounts. Also included is £110 (2023 - £110) for payroll services. Travelling costs are reimbursed if incurred.
4 Grant making
| Purpose of gift/grant Amounts to Amounts to 2024 institutions individuals £ Mission or ministry support 3,740 27,806 31,546 Totalgifts andgrants 3,740 27,806 31,546 Gifts & grants made to institutions include the following Institution 2024 £ Plumbline Ministries Mission or ministry support 2,800 Ground Level Mission or ministrysupport 940 Totalgifts andgrants 3,740 Employees Number of employees 2024 Charitable activities 1.0 Total 1.0 Staff Costs 2024 £ Gross Salaries 12,150 Employer's NI Contribution - Employer's Pension Contribution(defined contribution scheme) 486 Total 12,636 |
2023 £ 15,868 |
|---|---|
| 15,868 | |
| 2023 £ 4,200 - |
|
| 4,200 | |
| 2023 2.0 |
|
| 2.0 | |
| 2023 £ 12,822 - 634 |
|
| 13,456 |
5 Employees
There were no employees who received employee benefits for the reporting period of more than £60,000.
8
6 Related Party Transactions
The church had the following transactions with related parties
| Out of pocket expenses 2024 Number of Trustees reimbursed for out of pocket expenses 1 Total amount paid to or on behalf of Trustees, £ 925 Related Party Legal Authority 2024 £ Matthew Hall Constitution - Paul Brown Constitution 3,352 Total 3,352 Gifts to related charities Name of Charity Relationship 2024 £ Plumbline Ministries Matthew Hall is a trustee 2,800 Total 2,800 |
2023 1 589 2023 £ 13,456 - |
|---|---|
| 13,456 | |
| 2023 £ 4,200 |
|
| 4,200 |
7 Tangible Fixed Assets
| Cost At 1 January 2024 Additions Disposals Revaluation At 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Charge for the period On disposals At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Church Equipment £ 8,059 120 - - 8,179 3,160 1,753 - 4,913 3,266 4,899 |
PA Equipment £ 5,024 363 - - 5,387 4,596 183 - 4,779 608 428 |
Land and Buildings £ 265,000 - - 55,000 320,000 - - - - 320,000 265,000 |
Total £ 278,083 483 - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 333,566 | ||||
| 7,756 1,936 - |
||||
| 9,692 | ||||
| 323,874 | ||||
| 270,327 |
A valuation of The Old Schoolhouse, 4 Market Hill, Royston was carried out on 15/7/25 by Steven Foreman MRICS.
The basis of the valuation was to comply with Section 119 of the Charities Act and establish Market Value.
The historical cost of the building is £265,000, no depreciation has been charged.
9
8 Pension Scheme
The charity operates a defined contribution scheme.
The costs for the period were £486 (2023 - £634).
The allocation of the liability and expense of the defined contribution pension scheme follows the treatment of the associated employees.
9 Bank Loans
| Amounts falling due within one year Bank Loan Amounts falling due after one year Bank Loan |
2024 £ 10,593 130,317 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 10,593 | ||
| 141,454 |
The bank loan is secured against the Building at 4-8 Market Hill, Royston.
10 Prepayments & Accruals
Amounts falling due within one year
| Prepayments & accruals 2024 £ Prepayments & other debtors 916 Tax recoverable 2,041 Total 2,957 Accruals and deferred income 2,983 Accruals and deferred income 2,983 |
2023 £ 1,092 2,453 |
|---|---|
| 3,545 | |
| 1,209 | |
| 1,209 |
10
11 Restricted Funds
Fund Name
Purpose
For purchase, refurbishment or long-term hire of facilities for church use.
Building For purchase, refurbishment or long-term hire of facilities for church use. Body Needs To provide financial support for members of the body of Christ who are facing particular financial difficulty or need BP & HS Rex Support for our mission partners Youth Ministry Resources for ministry with young people Make Lunch To provide projects to fight holiday hunger Make Lunch Hardware Hardware to support the Make Lunch project Wang Family Ministry Support for our mission partners Pathways to Learning Providing free-of-charge tutoring sessions to school children
Movement on Restricted Funds in the year:
| Transfer | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | Opening | Income in | Expenditure in | between funds | Closing |
| Balance | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | Balance | |
| Building | (4,272) | 55,366 | (3,317) | 47,777 | |
| Body Needs | 1,159 | 50 | (457) | 752 | |
| BP & HS Rex | 127 | 3,655 | (3,564) | 218 | |
| Youth Ministry | 6 | - | - | 6 | |
| Make Lunch | 14,287 | 12,765 | (16,600) | 10,452 | |
| Wang Family Ministry | - | 5,750 | (5,750) | - | |
| Pathways to Learning | 3,217 | 3,902 | (3,883) | 3,236 | |
| Other | - | 6,689 | (6,663) | 26 | |
| Total | 14,524 | 88,177 | (40,234) | - | 62,467 |
12 Unrestricted and Designated Funds
| Fund Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mission (Designated) | To provide emergency support to our mission partners |
| Dads United (Designated) | To designate funds for activities with Dads. |
| General Unrestricted | To spend at the discretion of the charity trustees for any purposes |
| of the charity. |
Movement on Designated and Unrestricted Funds in the year:
| Transfer | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | Opening | Income in | Expenditure in | between funds | Closing |
| Balance | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | Balance | |
| Mission (Designated) | 5,000 | - | - | - | 5,000 |
| Dads United (Designated) | (189) | 601 | (471) | 59 | - |
| General Unrestricted | 184,189 | 90,464 | (51,514) | (59) | 223,080 |
| Revaluation Reserve | - | 55,000 | - | - | 55,000 |
| Total | 189,000 | 146,065 | (51,985) | - | 283,080 |
11
Trinity Life Church, Royston
Independent examiners report to the trustees of Trinity Life Church, Royston Registered number: 1181863
I report on the accounts for the period ended 31st December 2024, which are set out on pages 5 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity’s gross income exceeded £25,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
-
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 next statement.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
Name: Mark Plane Relevant professional qualification or body: ICAEW
Address: 2nd Floor, Apex House 30-34 Upper George Street Luton, LU1 2RD Date: 25/09/2025
12