OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1196272

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 5
Independent examiner's report 6 - 7
Statement of financial activities 8
Balance sheet 9
Notes to the financial statements 10 - 25

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Trustees T Vernon
A Smith
R Heath (Resigned 16 April 2023)
C Lee (Resigned 16 April 2023)
C Warner
N Milner
D Stanton
S Rogers (Appointed 16 April 2023)
Charity registered
number
1196272
Principal office
120 Hobleythick Lane
Westcliff on Sea
Essex
SS0 0RJ
Accountants
Venthams
Chartered Accountants
Millhouse
32 - 38 East Street
Rochford
Essex
SS4 1DB
Bankers
CAF Bank
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ

Page 1

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Objectives and activities

a. Policies and objectives

The principal purpose of the church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.

The trust deed states that the custodian trustees are required to permit the building to be used as a place of worship for the service of Almighty God, as a place for the instruction of children or adults, or as a church hall, or as a place for the promotion of other charitable purposes.

The constitution states that membership of the Church is open to those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ and wish to become members, and who, by applying for membership have indicated acceptance of the beliefs, a willingness to participate in the activities, have indicated their agreement to become a member and acceptance of the duty of members.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

b. Activities undertaken to achieve objectives

In fulfilling its purpose, the church engages in a range of activities, whether on its own or with others, that vary from time to time; with activities being initiated, expanded or closed, as appropriate.

The church seeks to promote the Christian Gospel and to reach out into the community. It does this in a variety of ways: through running Alpha Courses and Kintsugi Hope mental health wellbeing courses; and through hosting activities in its premises under the banner of The Ark, including Toddlers & Toast, Mince Pies & Mums, Safe/Warm Space Café, Joyful Dancing, and various other children, family and young people events.

The church continues to be used as a local polling station and as a distribution centre for the local Trussell Trust Foodbank.

c. Volunteers

The church relies heavily on volunteers to support its paid staff in the areas of Ministry, Children and Youth Work, and all the administration, cleaning and general upkeep of the church is undertaken by volunteers.

d. Main activities undertaken to further the Charity's purposes for the public benefit

The church is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Eastern Baptist Association. The church will normally promote, encourage, support and advance the work of the Baptist Union, the Association and BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) World Mission through prayer, through financial contributions and, where appropriate, by making personnel available from the membership of the church. When it is able, the church will also support local Baptist and ecumenical gatherings.

Page 2

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

Achievements and performance

a. Review of activities

We continue to be very blessed as a church fellowship from the ministry of our minister, Revd Tom Vernon, and with a capable leadership team.

2023 saw many church activities establish themselves, with a good rhythm to the week in The Ark. The Ark is our place for people in the community mid-week. It is a way of allowing our church building to be used, by softening its edges to be more open to community use. Currently we run a Warm Hub, Toddler group, and dance class, as well as being a distribution centre for Southend Foodbank.

We continue to seek to serve through 5 areas that we believe God wants us to grow and develop in. Using the acronym 'FAITH', these areas are: Fellowship and discipleship; Advancing Kingdom ministries; Intentional community engagement; Teaching (with learning and response); and Helping run the church. These areas are being taken forward, surrounded and supported by consistent prayer.

This has led us to begin the process of setting up a Renew Wellbeing session, which is a safe space for people who struggle with isolation and their mental health. We are also aiming to get a Youth Club up and running. We used to run one before the Covid restrictions, and it is hoped that this will start up shortly. We are also exploring our ethical and ecological impact as a church, both from our building and for each member themselves.

We continue to stream our Sunday morning services online; and our church meetings (including the AGM) and prayer meetings remained a hybrid of online and in-person meetings.

The Trustees maintained a close check on the bank balances to ensure sufficient resources were (and continue to be) available for all the work undertaken by the church. Early in the year, the church received an unrequested bequest.

Financial review

a. Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the church has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

b. Reserves policy

The trustees aim to maintain unrestricted reserves, excluding fixed assets, of six months' unrestricted income as a buffer in case the church suffers from an unexpected lack of income or increase in its level of expenditure.

The unrestricted reserves were £128,593 (2022: £122,430), which is above the target £46,297 (2022: target £79,263).

The total income for the year was £94,803 (2022: £229,998) and the total expenditure for the year was £97,731 (2022: £136,681). The deficit for the year was £2,928 (2022: £93,137 surplus).

Page 3

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

c. Financial risk management objectives and policies

All major insurable risks are subject to normal churches’ and employers’ insurance. Contractual risks are reviewed before being entered into to assess that they could not significantly impact upon the church's ability to fulfil its objectives. The Trustees review and update the church’s policies on a rolling programme, modelled on policies from the Baptist Union of Great Britain and good practice guidance. The Finance & Admin Group review issues related to financial risk. The Trustees maintain and review a risk register and activities run by the church are risk assessed. This process is reported to and endorsed by the church members at the AGM.

d. Principal funding

The church’s principal source of funding is the donations it receives from church members throughout the year.

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

Earls Hall Baptist Church is a registered charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), number 1196272, and is constituted under a CIO Constitution.

b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the church is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of its CIO constitution, approved at a special church meeting on 27 June 2021 and which came into effect on 28 February 2022.

New trustees are proposed and seconded by the church members and then appointed if they gain sufficient support from a ballot vote, usually at the AGM.

c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies

The Trustees are responsible for setting strategies and policies and for ensuring these are implemented.

The Trustees comprise the governing body of Earls Hall Baptist Church and are legally responsible for the governance and management of the church.

Plans for future periods

The Trustees are responsible for developing and presenting to the church membership for approval, strategies for the future direction of the church, and for implementing those strategies, once adopted by the church members.

The church intends to continue with its activities in the coming year embracing possible new ventures under God's direction. We have 5 areas of growth; Fellowship and discipleship; Advancing Kingdom ministries; Intentional community engagement; Teaching (with learning and response); and Helping run the church. We expect to develop one activity or project in each of these areas. In the past few months we have appointed a Premises and Admin Coordinator, and trust to that role giving a good base to support all these growth ideas. We continue to seek new ways to build relationships with the local community and we continue to look at the additional opportunities that could be created from demolishing and building a new church on the current site, or maintaining and improving the current building.

Page 4

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the CIO Constitution. 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.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

A Smith Trustee

N Milner Trustee

Date: 21 March 2024

Page 5

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Earls Hall Baptist Church ('the Charity')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of 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 accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Page 6

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed: Stuart Harrison FCA

Dated: 21 March 2024

Venthams

Chartered Accountants Millhouse 32 - 38 East Street Rochford Essex SS4 1DB

Page 7

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Investments
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
14
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
86,107
6,486
92,593
79,695
79,695
12,898
(4,491)
8,407
1,281,264
8,407
1,289,671		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
2,210
-
2,210
18,036
18,036
(15,826)
4,491
(11,335)
302,760
(11,335)
291,425		 Total
funds
2023
£
88,317
6,486
94,803
97,731
97,731
(2,928)
-
(2,928)
1,584,024
(2,928)
1,581,096		 Total
funds
2022
£
229,147
851
229,998
136,861
136,861
93,137
-
93,137
1,490,887
93,137
1,584,024

Page 8

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
14
Unrestricted funds
14
Total funds		 8,880
416,232
425,112
(5,094)		 2023
£
1,161,078
1,161,078
420,018
1,581,096
1,581,096
291,425
1,289,671
1,581,096		 39,844
391,408
431,252
(6,061)		 2022
£
1,158,833
1,158,833
425,191
1,584,024
1,584,024
302,760
1,281,264
1,584,024

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

A Smith Trustee Date: 21 March 2024

N Milner Trustee

Page 9

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

1. General information

Earls Hall Baptist Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales, registration number 1196272. Its principal office address is 120 Hobleythick Lane, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, SS0 0RJ.

During the prior year, the activities of the charity were transferred from an unincorporated entity (charity number 1126405) to the newly registered CIO. These accounts were therefore prepared on a merger basis.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Earls Hall Baptist Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Page 10

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.4 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, .

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

2.6 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.7 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Page 11

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.8 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.

2.9 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.10 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

2.11 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Page 12

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

3. Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Donations
General offerings and gift aid
75,364
Use of Hall
4,060
Rebuilding
-
India
-
Other donations
5,257
Subtotal
84,681
Donations
1,226
Legacies
200
86,107
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Donations
General offerings and gift aid
60,405
Use of Hall
10,181
Rebuilding
-
India
-
Other donations
4,185
Subtotal
74,771
Legacies
82,903
157,674		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
-
2,210
-
-
2,210
-
-
2,210
Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
-
6,964
10,364
13
17,341
54,132
71,473		 Total
funds
2023
£
75,364
4,060
2,210
-
5,257
86,891
1,226
200
88,317
Total
funds
2022
£
60,405
10,181
6,964
10,364
4,198
92,112
137,035
229,147

Page 13

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

4. Investment income

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Investment income - local cash
6,486
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Investment income - local cash
851		 Total
funds
2023
£
6,486
Total
funds
2022
£
851

5. Analysis of grants

Grants, Church
Grants, Church		 Grants to
Institutions
2023
£
6,800
Grants to
Institutions
2022
£
26,240		 Total
funds
2023
£
6,800
Total
funds
2022
£
26,240

The Charity has made the following material grants to institutions during the year:

Page 14

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

5. Analysis of grants (continued)

Name of institution
Baptist Missionary Society
Suryapet Orphanage, India
Baptist Union of Great Britain - Home Mission Fund
57 West
KMAC		 2023
£
2,400
-
2,400
1,000
1,000
6,800		 2022
£
2,400
21,440
2,400
-
-
26,240

6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Summary by fund type

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Church
79,695
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Church
83,180		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
18,036
Restricted
funds
2022
£
53,681		 Total
2023
£
97,731
Total
2022
£
136,861

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Activities Grant
undertaken funding of Support Total
directly activities costs funds
2023 2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £
Church 88,461 6,800 2,470 97,731

Page 15

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Activities Grant
undertaken funding of Support Total
directly activities costs funds
2022 2022 2022 2022
£ £ £ £
Church 108,569 26,240 2,052 136,861

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Employee related costs
Training
Ministry
Pastoral
Pastoral support
Utilities
Manse repairs and extensions
Administration
Youth
Outreach
Fabric
Fabric refurbishment
Thank offering
Legal and professional expenses
Total 2023		 Church
2023
£
51,074
1,009
2,913
656
3,879
197
400
7,973
3,276
3,417
1,547
1,113
2,618
6,892
1,047
450
88,461		 Total
funds
2023
£
51,074
1,009
2,913
656
3,879
197
400
7,973
3,276
3,417
1,547
1,113
2,618
6,892
1,047
450
88,461

Page 16

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Staff costs
Depreciation
Employee related costs
Training
Ministry
Pastoral
Pastoral support
Utilities
Manse repairs and extensions
Administration
Youth
Fabric
Fabric refurbishment
Thank offering
Legal and professional expenses
Total 2022		 Church
2022
£
59,040
787
3,486
390
4,329
941
100
5,981
4,680
2,252
2,567
7,229
10,559
1,674
4,554
108,569		 Total
funds
2022
£
59,040
787
3,486
390
4,329
941
100
5,981
4,680
2,252
2,567
7,229
10,559
1,674
4,554
108,569

Page 17

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Governance costs
Governance costs		 Church
2023
£
2,470
Church
2022
£
2,052		 Total
funds
2023
£
2,470
Total
funds
2022
£
2,052

8. Independent examiner's remuneration

The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £1,884 (2022 - £1,764) , and payroll services of £288 ( 2022 - £288 ).

9. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2023
£
46,639
-
4,435
51,074		 2022
£
51,707
930
6,403
59,040

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Ministers
Children and families worker		 2023
No.
1
1
2		 2022
No.
1
1
2

Page 18

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

9. Staff costs (continued)

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year a salary of £31,800 (2022: £29,711) was paid to Rev. T Vernon, a trustee, for ministerial services. Employer's pension contributions amounting to £4,162 (2022: £3,750) were paid on his behalf.

The legal authority for the remuneration of ministers can be found in the church's constitution.

During the year ended 31 December 2023, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £NIL) .

11. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Freehold
property
£
1,155,281
-
1,155,281
-
-
-
1,155,281
1,155,281		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
28,867
3,254
32,121
25,315
1,009
26,324
5,797
3,552		 Total
£
1,184,148
3,254
1,187,402
25,315
1,009
26,324
1,161,078
1,158,833

Page 19

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

12. Debtors

Due within one year
Prepayments and accrued income
Tax recoverable		 2023
£
3,426
5,454
8,880		 2022
£
35,443
4,401
39,844

13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Taxation and social security
Pension fund loan payable
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
634
-
4,460
5,094		 2022
£
651
654
4,756
6,061

Page 20

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

14. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Restricted funds
Fabric
BMS
Home Mission Fund
Donations
Crossing Boundaries
Legacies
Rebuilding fund
Legacy maintenance fund
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
January
2023
£
1,281,264
-
-
-
1,981
2,226
17,359
158,049
123,145
302,760
1,584,024		 Income
£
92,593
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,210
-
2,210
94,803		 Expenditure
£
(79,695)
(2,066)
(2,400)
(2,400)
-
-
-
(450)
(10,720)
(18,036)
(97,731)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(4,491)
2,066
2,400
2,400
-
-
-
-
(2,375)
4,491
-		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
1,289,671
-
-
-
1,981
2,226
17,359
159,809
110,050
291,425
1,581,096

Page 21

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

14. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Restricted funds
Fabric
BMS
Home Mission Fund
India
Donations
Crossing Boundaries
Legacies
Rebuilding fund
Legacy maintenance fund
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 January
2022
£
1,212,723
-
-
-
11,055
1,981
2,226
17,359
100,543
145,000
278,164
1,490,887		 Income
£
158,525
-
13
-
10,363
-
-
-
61,097
-
71,473
229,998		 Expenditure
£
(83,180)
(1,645)
(2,400)
(2,400)
(21,790)
-
-
-
(3,591)
(21,855)
(53,681)
(136,861)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(6,804)
1,645
2,387
2,400
372
-
-
-
-
-
6,804
-		 Balance at
31
December
2022
£
1,281,264
-
-
-
-
1,981
2,226
17,359
158,049
123,145
302,760
1,584,024

Page 22

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

15. Restricted funds

The charity holds eight restricted funds that represent donations for particular areas of charity work or specific projects undertaken. The purposes of the eight funds held are as follows:

Fabric fund - Money donated by members of the Fellowship to be used specifically towards the cost of fabric maintenance/refurbishment of the church. Keeping our building in good order enables us to fulfil our mission to our Fellowship and the wider community.

BMS fund - The Baptist Missionary Society is supported by the Church who add from the General Offerings money given specifically to this cause by members of the Fellowship to meet a budget agreed annually by the Church. The Church considers this as part of our support of our wider mission.

HMF fund - The Home Mission Fund is part of the Church's mission to support outreach and mission in this country within our own denomination and an annual budgeted amount is agreed by the Membership, some of which is donated specifically by members to this cause.

India fund -This fund was money donated by members and friends of Earls Hall and other churches solely for the benefit of the Orphanage in Suryapet, India, and those working in it, to whom the money was sent on a regular, usually monthly, basis.

Donations fund - The Church appeals for donations to send on to specific charities in keeping with its charitable objects from time to time. As these donations are for a specific cause they are held as restricted funds until they are distributed to the charities in question.

Crossing Boundaries fund - The Crossing Boundaries project was part of the wider work of the church linked to care and support to people in our community. The funds came to us from various grant making trusts. A balance continues to be shown pending a response from the donors as to whether they are happy for this to be transferred to the Church funds.

Legacies fund - Whilst occasionally legacies are given for a specific purpose they are usually given for the work of the Church. However, the Church Meeting votes to decide a) that the legacy be kept separate from the normal income until b) a decision is made as to what purpose the legacy will be used for.

Rebuilding fund - Through prayerful discernment, we have felt God prompting us to explore the opportunities that may be available if we were to redevelop and enhance our existing buildings. This would ensure that we continued to offer accessible but better premises for those that wish to explore the Christian faith by attending church services on a Sunday and to our local community in attending other events that are held during the week as part of our outreach to them. The fund is therefore set-up to advance initial feasibility studies to see what possibilities are available to us.

Legacy maintenance fund - This fund is for the benefit of Earls Hall Baptist Church for the maintenance and redecoration of the Earls Hall Baptist Church and for the purchase of equipment and new hymn books to be used solely in the Earls Hall Baptist Church.

Page 23

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

16. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

General funds
Restricted funds		 Balance at 1
January
2023
£
1,281,264
302,760
1,584,024
Balance at
1 January
2022
£
1,212,723
278,164
1,490,887		 Income
£
92,593
2,210
94,803
Income
£
158,525
71,473
229,998		 Expenditure
£
(79,695)
(18,036)
(97,731)
Expenditure
£
(83,180)
(53,681)
(136,861)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(4,491)
4,491
-
Transfers
in/out
£
(6,804)
6,804
-		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
1,289,671
291,425
1,581,096
Balance at
31
December
2022
£
1,281,264
302,760
1,584,024
Summary of funds - prior year
General funds
Restricted funds

17. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Tangible fixed assets
1,161,078
Current assets
133,687
Creditors due within one year
(5,094)
Total
1,289,671		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
291,425
-
291,425		 Total
funds
2023
£
1,161,078
425,112
(5,094)
1,581,096

Page 24

EARLS HALL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

17. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
1,158,833
128,493
(6,061)
1,281,265		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
302,760
-
302,760		 Total
funds
2022
£
1,158,833
431,253
(6,061)
1,584,025

18. Pension commitments

The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held seperately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £4,435 (2022: £6,403).

19. Related party transactions

During the year the trustees made a total of £15,570 (2022: £18,415) in donations to the charity.

Page 25