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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1187741

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees M M'Clelland
A Holmes
Reverend J Jacobson
T Simmonds
S Culliford
M Napper
T Lawrence
O Olugbodi
S Campbell (Appointed 1 January 2023)
I Newton (Appointed 1 January 2023)
S Tollworthy (Appointed 1 January 2023)
D Monk (Appointed 1 January 2024)
A Oladimeji (Appointed 1 January 2024)
Charity number 1187741
Principal address 1150 London Road
Leigh-on-Sea
Essex
SS9 2AJ
Independent examiner John Caladine FCCA CTA FCIE
Caladine Limited
Chantry House
22 Upperton Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 1BF
Bankers CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 5
Independent examiner's report 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Statement of financial position 8
Notes to the financial statements 9 - 22

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011 and "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)".

Objectives and activities

The church’s objectives as set out in the governing document are:-

  1. The advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination.

  2. The church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.

The Trustees note that 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 also bring a blessing to the area in which they lived. West Leigh Baptist Church (WLBC), its Trustees and members are committed to the implementation 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 the West Leigh district and beyond come into this experience of knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord, Saviour and friend.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

To further the above objectives and vision, the charity's main activities and achievements during 2023 were as follows:-

WLBC is a thriving community of people who believe in, and follow Jesus Christ, believing Him to be the Son of God; a church of ordinary people who in reading and seeking to obey God’s Word, the Bible, are day by day longing to share the transformative love of God with the local community and beyond.

Our vision Statement of “Jesus in Us, our Church, our Community, our World” remained our clear focus during 2023 along with a set of working principles to help fulfil this: Connecting with God, Connecting with each other and Connecting with the World.

The passing of the Covid pandemic was welcome but it provided some opportunities to learn new ways of doing things that the church has continued to benefit from. These included continuing to stream our Sunday morning services on-line which enabled a wider audience to be reached, including those who would otherwise not be able to join in person. Also, there has been more use of technology to conduct meetings (e.g. via Zoom) and a move towards more remote working. The use of social media to improve communication has also grown, for example with WhatsApp groups.

2023 saw the continued operation of Task Groups that were re-started in 2022 focusing on specific ministries and areas of service. These facilitate a wider involvement of the church membership in fulfilling the mission of WLBC and reducing the workload of the Ministers who would otherwise be overstretched. The Task Groups are:

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

We have been blessed by the preaching and teaching of God’s word by our two Ministers, one of whom worked for four-an-a-half days (75% stipend) and the other for three days (50% stipend). We continued the search for a new associate Minister during 2023 (as a replacement for one of the Ministers who has been with us on a temporary basis in the knowledge that he would be leaving in February 2024). No suitable candidate was in prospect of being appointed by year end.

A church member was appointed as a Minister in Training on a volunteer basis for eight hours a week for a period of up to two years in September 2023 (this assignment will in fact come to an end after one year).

2023 saw the introduction of Sunday evening gatherings in addition to the Sunday morning service covering a variety of topics including evangelism, Christian practices, theology, testimonies as well as prayer and praise.

Throughout the year, monthly prayer meetings have been held on Saturday mornings to seek God’s will for the future.

There were a number of baptismal services during the year with 10 people being baptised.

We continued to encourage the church fellowship to prayerfully consider others beyond the local church by maintaining links with specific mission activities including:-

During the year we have been able to pray and give financial support to these specific ministries, along with other mission partnerships including support to the Baptist Union, Christians against Poverty, Foodbank, Evangelical Alliance and Christian Vision for Men.

The church has many home groups allowing members to have regular contact, prayer and support; these meet mainly in people’s houses or in some cases on-line.

There were two Alpha Courses held at the church during the year for those seeking to find out more about the Christian faith.

We have also continued to run activities for children and youth during 2023, once again no longer restricted because of the pandemic, and we are blessed with having a significant number of young people engaged in the various groups. This includes a Boys Brigade company which now includes the Girls Association. A group of teenagers attended the Luminosity event run by the New Wine organisation during the summer.

Our “Stay and Play” activity for parents and carers with young children also continued and this is a service that is much appreciated in the local community as there is significant demand. Also, the Light Party run by the church for children and young people on 31[st] October was very well attended.

Parish Nursing continued ministering in the community including amongst the most vulnerable. An additional Parish Nurse was appointed in January 2023, specialising in the area of mental health. This has enabled the work to expand and develop further. Although the pandemic is behind us, this ministry continues to adapt to serving many who still find meeting with others a challenge given the rise in mental health issues among all age groups. Weekly activities on a Wednesday included exercise classes, socialising and interaction with others, lunch, a service and activities to promote good mental health. A holiday at home activity also took place one week during the summer which was well attended.

The Parish Nursing team also maintained regular contact with many who were continuing to be house-bound. As a church we were grateful for specific grants provided enabling the Parish Nursing team to work extended hours and in different ways to sustain meeting these needs within the fellowship and in the wider community. The grant providers during 2023 were the Essex Community Foundation, the Mid and South Essex CVS Network, the Community Investment Board, The Frank Litchfield General Charitable Trust, the Co-op Community Fund and John Lewis. Total grants received from these sources to support the work of Parish Nursing amounted to over £25,000.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The church has a proper system of ensuring that the vulnerable are cared for and protected via the Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk Policy and the use of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Regular identification of those involved in both working with children and young people and vulnerable adults is carried out and training and support is provided. The system is reviewed annually and updated to keep up with best practice and legislation.

The church operates a Charity Shop (Cornerstone) located around one quarter of a mile from the church premises. A part time manager and assistant are employed with the shop staffed by a team of very committed volunteers. The assistant manager resigned towards the end of 2023 and a replacement is being sought with the opportunity being taken to review the job description for the role.

As well as raising funds for the charity, Cornerstone also provides essential support and friendship to many in the community who come to buy goods but also receive love and care from the people who work there. Cornerstone continued to deliver good levels of turnover and profit to support the building fund. Refurbishment of the premises was carried out during the course of the year to create more space for display of goods with the aim of increasing turnover and profit further.

WLBC continued to operate a distribution centre for the Southend Area Food Bank open each Saturday morning, with an increasing number of people in the community needing this kind of support due to economic circumstances. The distribution centre was run by a good number of volunteers, including some from the local community.

A number of community groups have been able to use the building with these external users also contributing to the church’s income through letting fees.

Another activity run by WLBC in conjunction with other churches in the Southend City area is COSMOS which offers football training and matches for boys and girls; this runs from September to June.

The church continued with plans to complete the building project. Following a survey carried out with all relevant user groups and stakeholders the previous year, a scaled down plan was agreed with the church members and submitted to Southend City Council for approval. Planning permission was then granted in early 2023 and later in the year the church members approved the following resolution at a Special Church Meeting: “That the church goes ahead with completion of the building project on the basis of the plans approved by Southend City Council on 7[th] March 2023 and seeks to raise the necessary funds.” A fund-raising strategy was agreed by the Trustees to be implemented in 2024.

The church’s numerous activities would not have been able to take place without the hard work of the staff and the many volunteers who give up their time to serve. We are grateful for all this support. We are thankful too that church members and the wider congregation have continued to give generously and sacrificially to support the work of WLBC financially.

The total number of church members at the end of the year was 189.

Financial review

Unrestricted funds showed a surplus before transfers of £24,584 which has been amended with a transfer of £41,074 from restricted funds. This transfer includes a correction from 2022 where the depreciation of the value of the building had been applied to unrestricted funds plus another transfer from the building fund, leaving an overall surplus after transfers of £66,288. This compared to a deficit in the previous year of £57,885 but without the building depreciation this would have been a deficit of £39,823. Restricted funds showed a surplus, after transfers, of £36,341 (2022: surplus of £84,123).

At 31 December 2023 unrestricted funds amounted to £396,866 and restricted funds were £1,704,919. The unrestricted funds include the net book value of the manse and the restricted funds include the net book value of the church buildings.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It was registered with the Charity Commission on 4 February 2020 (no. 1187741). The work of the charity was previously carried out by another unincorporated charity of the same name (no. 1132875). On 1 January 2021 the unincorporated charity's assets and activities were transferred to the CIO.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

M M'Clelland A Holmes Reverend J Jacobson N Copus (Retired 1 January 2024) T Simmonds S Culliford M Napper T Lawrence O Olugbodi Reverend W Eugster (Retired 29 February 2024) S Campbell (Appointed 1 January 2023) I Newton (Appointed 1 January 2023) S Tollworthy (Appointed 1 January 2023) D Monk (Appointed 1 January 2024) A Oladimeji (Appointed 1 January 2024)

Responsibility for setting policy and for determining the parameters within which the charity should operate for making operating decisions rests with the church members' meeting with the appointment of Trustees who meet at least once a month to monitor the activities of the charity. Responsibility for the day to day operation of the charity is headed up by the Trustees led by the Ministers. New Trustees are appointed through the Church Members' Meeting as stipulated by the governing document.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Andy Holmes

..............................

A Holmes Trustee Dated: .........................

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 and 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 the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that 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.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of West Leigh Baptist Church (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with 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) 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 now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with 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:

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 financial statements to be reached.

John Caladine FCCA CTA FCIE

Caladine Limited Chantry House 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 1BF

Dated: .........................

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
225,985
108,308
Charitable activities
4
34,700
-
Other trading activities
5
-
-
Investments
6
1,833
4,937
Other income
7
2,671
30,048
Total income
265,189
143,293
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
179
48
Charitable activities
9
240,426
65,200
Total expenditure
240,605
65,248
Net income
24,584
78,045
Transfers between
funds
21
41,704
(41,704)
Net movement in
funds
66,288
36,341
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January
2023
330,578
1,668,578
Fund balances at 31
December 2023
396,866
1,704,919		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
334,293
192,642
79,922
34,700
33,038
-
-
-
92,423
6,770
1,049
16
32,719
-
-
408,482
226,729
172,361
227
240
45,478
305,626
288,252
38,882
305,853
288,492
84,360
102,629
(61,763)
88,001
-
3,878
(3,878)
102,629
(57,885)
84,123
1,999,156
388,463
1,584,455
2,101,785
330,578
1,668,578		 Total
2022
£
272,564
33,038
92,423
1,065
-
399,090
45,718
327,134
372,852
26,238
-
26,238
1,972,918
1,999,156

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Property, plant and equipment
15
Investments
16
Current assets
Trade and other receivables
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities
18
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
19
Net assets
Income funds
Restricted funds
21
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
General reserve
22
General unrestricted funds		 2023
£
£
1,738,351
5,001
1,743,352
5,583
439,780
445,363
(11,930)
433,433
2,176,785
(75,000)
2,101,785
1,704,919
30,000
30,000
366,866
396,866
2,101,785		 2022
£
£
1,760,106
-
1,760,106
13,772
318,298
332,070
(18,020)
314,050
2,074,156
(75,000)
1,999,156
1,668,578
30,000
30,000
300,578
330,578
1,999,156

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

Andy Holmes

..............................

A Holmes Trustee

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

West Leigh Baptist Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation governed by its constitution dated 4 February 2020.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Charities Act 2011 and "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 charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements 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 Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

The value of donated goods for resale are recognised as income when sold.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised when a constructive obligation exists, the payment is probable and the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

Resources expended are allocated to the particular cost centre to which they relate and include irrecoverable VAT.

1.6 Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following basis:

Church building 1% straight line Manse 1% Straight line Fixtures, fittings and equipment 20% straight line

The cost of the church building includes the cost of some land which is not depreciated.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Non-current investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.8 Impairment of non-current assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
218,985
82,977
Legacies receivable
7,000
-
Other grants receivable
-
25,331
225,985
108,308
Donations and gifts
Donations of cash
180,814
74,119
Income tax recoverable
38,171
8,858
218,985
82,977		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
301,962
192,642
64,922
7,000
-
-
25,331
-
15,000
334,293
192,642
79,922
254,933
158,761
55,350
47,029
33,881
9,572
301,962
192,642
64,922		 Total
2022
£
257,564
-
15,000
272,564
214,111
43,453
257,564

4 Charitable activities

Parish nurse
Room and hall hire		 2023
£
9,808
24,892
34,700		 2022
£
9,425
23,613
33,038

5 Income from other trading activities

Restricted Restricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Sale of donated goods - 90,323
Advertising - 2,100
Other trading activities - 92,423

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6 Income from investments

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
1,833
4,937
Other income
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Donation from subsidiary
2,671
30,048		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
6,770
1,049
16
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
32,719
-
-		 Total
2022
£
1,065
Total
2022
£
-

7 Other income

8 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
179
48
Staff costs
-
-
179
48
Trading costs
Operating charity shop
-
-
Total costs
179
48		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
227
240
-
-
-
21,234
227
240
21,234
-
-
24,244
227
240
45,478		 Total
2022
£
240
21,234
21,474
24,244
45,718

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2023 2022
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 149,089 135,168
Manse costs 4,070 24,248
Telephone and utilities 18,318 18,148
Church activities 14,923 12,372
Catering 1,173 866
Conferences, training and pastoral 800 524
Children's work 4,875 5,654
Evangelism and publicity 1,284 767
Repairs, maintenance and renewals 16,075 32,184
Computer and IT 1,878 2,864
Other funds and giving 315 260
Miscellaneous expenses 292 356
213,092 233,411
Grant funding of activities (see note 10) 32,993 29,950
Share of support and governance costs (see note 11)
Support 54,664 58,471
Governance 4,877 5,302
305,626 327,134
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 240,426 288,252
Restricted funds 65,200 38,882
305,626 327,134

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10 Grants payable

Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2023 2022
£ £
Grants to institutions:
Baptists Together 1,026 931
BMS 5,760 5,450
CAP 1,860 1,700
Home Mission 1,800 2,400
Indian orphanages 4,490 4,224
Viva & KM 3,065 3,313
Foodbank 1,805 2,090
Release International 2,400 2,900
Other 4,970 3,279
27,176 26,287
Grants to individuals 5,817 3,663
32,993 29,950

11 Support costs

Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Staff costs
27,665
-
Depreciation
21,755
-
Printing, postage and
stationery
2,322
-
Insurance
2,922
-
Legal and professional
-
1,337
Accountancy and
independent examination
-
3,540
54,664
4,877
Analysed between
Charitable activities
54,664
4,877		 Total
2023
Support costs Governance
costs
£
£
£
27,665
26,599
-
21,755
26,860
-
2,322
2,368
-
2,922
2,644
-
1,337
-
1,222
3,540
-
4,080
59,541
58,471
5,302
59,541
58,471
5,302		 Total
2022
£
26,599
26,860
2,368
2,644
1,222
4,080
63,773
63,773

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12 Trustees

Reverend J Jacobson received gross pay (including housing and expense allowance) of £43,650 (2022: £42,075) and pension contributions of £3,993 (2022: £3,493) for his role as Minister.

Reverend W Eugster received gross pay of £17,763 (2022: £16,669) and pension contributions of £497 (2022: £464) for his role as Minister.

None of the other trustees received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

Trustee donations amounted to £44,940 during the year (2022: £28,615).

13 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2023
Number
13
2023
£
164,692
4,239
6,576
175,507		 2022
Number
16
2022
£
170,699
4,336
6,833
181,868

The number of employees reduced in 2023 as employees were transferred to the new company WLBC Cornerstone Ltd which runs the charity shop.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

14 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15 Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2023
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 December 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
16
Fixed asset investments
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
At 31 December 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
Other investments comprise:
Investments in subsidiaries
Loans to subsidiaries		 Church
building
Manse
Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
1,668,971
350,000
32,407
2,051,378
1,668,971
350,000
32,407
2,051,378
220,749
38,500
32,023
291,272
18,063
3,500
192
21,755
238,812
42,000
32,215
313,027
1,430,159
308,000
192
1,738,351
1,448,222
311,500
384
1,760,106
Other
investments
£
-
5,001
5,001
5,001
-
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
26
1
-
26
5,000
-
5,001
-

In December 2023 West Leigh Baptist Church made an interest free loan of £5,000 to their subsidiary WLBC Cornerstone Limited (which runs the Cornerstone charity shop) to facilitate the operation of the new trading company.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17 Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
422
3,536
1,625
5,583		 2022
£
133
12,189
1,450
13,772

18 Current liabilities

Current liabilities
Trade payables
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
2,425
1,042
636
7,827
11,930		 2022
£
11,326
-
1,588
5,106
18,020

19 Non-current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
2023 2022
£ £
Borrowings 75,000 75,000

The borrowings above represent monies loaned by a Church member in 2019 due to be repaid in ten years with no required payment prior to tenure expiring. The loan is interest free.

20 Retirement benefit schemes
2023 2022
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 6,576 6,833

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

21 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Balance at
1 January 2022
£
Social Enterprise Fund
793
Oct '17 Appeal
1,735
Boys Brigade
18
Girls Brigade
374
WLBC Football Team
-
Church W/E
6,067
Building Fund (Church net book value)
1,466,284
Building Fund (fundraising)
98,575
BF (Cornerstone) Shop
5,807
Meg Cannon Film Project
30
Suryapet Orphanage
572
Parish Nurse
3,403
Ministerial Support
-
Other Restricted Funds
797
1,584,455		 Movement in funds
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Balance at
1 January 2023
£
£
£
£
3,202
-
-
3,995
-
(1,735)
-
-
925
(606)
-
337
132
(506)
-
-
1,951
(1,298)
-
653
-
-
-
6,067
-
-
-
1,466,284
54,377
(19,925)
43,626
176,653
92,431
(46,626)
(47,504)
4,108
460
(490)
-
-
633
(1,205)
-
-
15,000
(7,922)
-
10,481
-
-
-
-
3,250
(4,047)
-
-
172,361
(84,360)
(3,878)
1,668,578		 Movement in funds
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Balance at
31 December
2023
£
£
£
£
9,295
(2,108)
-
11,182
-
-
-
-
1,520
(1,413)
-
444
-
-
-
-
1,420
(1,605)
-
468
-
-
-
6,067
-
(18,063)
(18,062)
1,430,159
89,897
(9,527)
(19,534)
237,489
-
-
(4,108)
-
860
(860)
-
-
2,498
(2,090)
-
408
25,331
(25,362)
-
10,450
7,878
-
-
7,878
4,594
(4,220)
-
374
143,293
(65,248)
(41,704)
1,704,919		 Movement in funds
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Balance at
31 December
2023
£
£
£
£
9,295
(2,108)
-
11,182
-
-
-
-
1,520
(1,413)
-
444
-
-
-
-
1,420
(1,605)
-
468
-
-
-
6,067
-
(18,063)
(18,062)
1,430,159
89,897
(9,527)
(19,534)
237,489
-
-
(4,108)
-
860
(860)
-
-
2,498
(2,090)
-
408
25,331
(25,362)
-
10,450
7,878
-
-
7,878
4,594
(4,220)
-
374
143,293
(65,248)
(41,704)
1,704,919
1,704,919

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

21 Restricted funds (Continued)

Social Enterprise Fund is a restricted fund to allow for future expenditure on social needs.

Oct'17 Appeal is a restricted fund used in augmenting the existing building. The fund was closed in 2022.

Boys Brigade - WLBC has a BB company incorporating Girls Association where the church Finance team manages their books which we hold as a restricted fund.

Girls Brigade - the Girls Brigade company closed down in July 2022.

WLBC Football Team - the church has a youth football team (COSMOS) and the church Finance Team manages their books that are held as a restricted fund.

Church W/E is a restricted fund to allow for future expenditure on a church weekend away.

Building Fund comprises the net book value of the church building and cash funds raised and used for the church buildings. For the 2023 accounts the two parts of the fund have been separated out. The transfer out from "Building Fund (Church net book value)" of £18,062 during the year relates to depreciation not posted against the restricted fund in the previous year and instead posted to unrestricted funds. The "Building Fund (fundraising)" received a transfer from the BF (Cornerstone) Shop in the year and there was also an adjustment so that the funds agreed to the church records - these transfers resulted in a net transfer out of £19,534.

BF (Cornerstone) Shop was a restricted fund to manage the charity shop. The remaining funds of £4,108 were were transferred to the "Building Fund (fundraising)" in 2023 following the setting of a new subsidiary company to run the shop.

Meg Cannon Film Project - this is a restricted fund where gifts can be passed through church giving channels, and where this is managed by the Finance Team.

Suryapet Orphanage - this is an Indian orphanage where WLBC along with 2 other local churches provide financial support from our main income tithe but where this fund enables individuals to provide specific donations which the Finance Team will settle monthly.

Parish Nurse - this fund includes income from specific grants for the work of the Parish Nurse and expenditure which can be applied against it. Other activities are part of the General Fund.

Ministerial Support - this fund contains donations received for the appointment of a new associate minister.

Other Restricted Funds is the aggregation of several individually immaterial restricted funds to allow for future expenditure on projects and causes as laid out by the donor placing the restriction at the time of the gift.

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

22 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At
General reserve
General funds
Previous year:
At
General reserve
Manse Rent Fund
General funds		 1 January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
30,000
-
-
300,578
265,189
(240,605)
330,578
265,189
(240,605)
1 January
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
30,000
-
-
900
-
(900)
357,563
226,729
(287,592)
388,463
226,729
(288,492)		 Transfers
At 31
December
2023
£
£
-
30,000
41,704
366,866
41,704
396,866
Transfers
At 31
December
2022
£
£
-
30,000
-
-
3,878
300,578
3,878
330,578

The General reserve represents funds set aside in accordance with best practice advised by the Charity Commission.

23 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Fund balances are represented by:
Property, plant and
equipment
308,192
1,430,159
Investments
5,001
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
83,673
349,760
Long term liabilities
-
(75,000)
396,866
1,704,919		 Total Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
1,738,351
311,884
1,448,222
5,001
-
-
433,433
18,694
295,356
(75,000)
-
(75,000)
2,101,785
330,578
1,668,578		 Total
2022
£
1,760,106
-
314,050
(75,000)
1,999,156

WEST LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

24 Operating lease commitments

Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2023
£
-
-
-		 2022
£
15,000
5,000
20,000

The lease related to the rental of the Cornerstone shop. In 2023 the trading activities were transferred to a separate trading subsidiary, WLBC Cornerstone Ltd (company number 14446176).

25 Related party transactions

L Lawrence, wife of trustee T Lawrence, received gross pay of £12,745 (2022: £11,120) and pension contributions of £382 (2022: £334) for her role as Parish Nurse.

L M'Clelland, wife of trustee M M'Clelland, received gross pay of £15,440 (2022: £12,440) and pension contributions of £463 (2022: £373) for her role as Bookkeeper.

26 Subsidiaries

Details of the charity's subsidiaries at 31 December 2023 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered Nature of business Class of % Held
office shares held Direct Indirect
WLBC Cornerstone Limited United Kingdom Charity shop Ordinary 100.00

The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of subsidiaries excluded from consolidation was as follows:

Name of undertaking Profit/(Loss) Capital and
Reserves
£ £
WLBC Cornerstone Limited 32,784 66