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2024-12-31-accounts

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

UNAUDITED

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

CONTENTS

Page

1-5 Report of the Trustees
6 Independent examiner’s report
7 Statement of Financial Activities
8 Statement of Financial Position
9-17


 Notes to the Financial statements

CHARITY REGISTRATION No. 208653

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

The Church was founded in 1892 and is a registered charity with the Charity Commission. The charity number is 208653. Under a new Trust Deed made on the 20 July 1999 the London Baptist Property Board Limited was appointed the Custodian Trustee and the Elders the Managing Trustees.

The following persons were directors of The London Baptist Property Board Limited, the Custodian Trustee, during the year ended 31 December 2024:

Rev P E Barnard Rev J J Kane M B Mensah (appointed 16 March 2024) Rev C J Nicholls O O Obidipe A J A Pike D K Reader S C Salamanca-Espin M Sisimayi Rev P A Winchester

The following persons were Managing Trustees of the Charity during the year ended 31 December 2024:

R Leak D Webster

The principal address of the Charity is: 197 High Street, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 5SU.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The charity is governed by a Trust Deed dated 20 July 1999.

The Managing Trustees are the Elders of the Church. They meet regularly to direct the affairs of the Church. The members of the Church meet at least twice a year to consider the work of the Church and to approve amongst other things the annual accounts and budget, material changes to Church properties and appointment or dismissal of the Minister and Trustees.

The Trustees can only be appointed by a Special Church Meeting. Two thirds of the eligible members present at the meeting need to approve such appointments.

Page 1

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The aim of the Charity is to encourage Christians in their faith, to provide opportunities for nonChristians to understand the Christian faith and to demonstrate God’s love by helping those in need.

Activities that help to deliver this strategy include Sunday Church services, prayer meetings, house groups, youth clubs, Sunday schools, a breakfast club, groups for mothers and toddlers and older people, and social events.

The Trustees confirm that they have given due consideration to the Charity Commission’s published guidance on the operation of public benefit.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are key to the charity. They organise Church activities, run clubs and meetings, visit people in need in their homes, and provide administrative and financial support. It is not possible to quantify this support as much is done behind the scenes. At a minimum the support is equivalent to 25 hours per week.

Page 2

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

The Church does not engage in fund raising activities.

Achievements against the objectives of the Church are summarised below:

Objective Achieved? Comment
Church services, prayer meetings held
throughout theyear		 Yes
Prayer / Bible study group to be held
throughout theyear		 Yes
Youth clubs held throughout the year No Not currently operating
Mother and Toddler group held
throughout theyear		 No Not currently operating
Womens midweek meeting held
throughout theyear		 Yes
CommunityEngagement Yes
People baptised No
New members Yes 4 new members
Improve buildings Yes Further investment in Church and
Manse fabric
Help those in need Yes Support
for
Tear
Fund.
Church
members actively helping those
locallyin need
Support dissemination / promulgation
of the Christian faith		 Yes Active programme locally and support
for those in UK and abroad.
Appointment of Pastor Yes Appointed April 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

At the end of the accounting year, the Charity is holding £226,464 (2023: £250,937) of free reserves. This is the equivalent of approximately 25 months (2023: 28 months) of average expenditure. The Charity intends to have a significant level of annual commitments in the form of ministerial costs, and it is felt prudent to maintain a level of reserves, which will enable the Charity to continue to meet these commitments.

A new Pastor joined in April 2024 and occupied the Manse once the tenant vacated the property at the end of May 2024. In 2025 the Church will incur the full year costs of a Pastor.

Page 3

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

RESERVES

The Church’s reserves policy is, as far as practical, to save for future building works rather than to borrow. In addition, as the Church is independent and receives no guaranteed support from any outside organisation, it seeks to have sufficient reserves within its general and designated funds to facilitate up to two years of future expenditure on day to day activities and specific building projects. The Church currently has in excess of two years of future expenditure in free reserves.

Funding is received from voluntary gifts. These have been used to support the aims of the charity, including improving and maintaining the Church building which hosts many of the Charity’s activities and providing accommodation for full time ministerial staff.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

The Church will continue to seek to a) provide opportunities for people to meet with others to worship God, learn about the Christian faith and find support; b) help those in need and c) support the promulgation, dissemination and instruction of the Christian faith. To further assist the achievement of these aims the new Pastor is planning a number of initiatives in 2025 aimed at attracting new visitors and providing opportunities to clearly explain the Christian faith.

RISK ANALYSIS

The Trustees are continually monitoring their original assessment of the major risks to which the Church is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Church.

The Trustees maintain the position that they are satisfied there are systems and controls in place within the Charity to mitigate the risks to which they are exposed.

GOING CONCERN

The Church continues to receive voluntary income from members and, given the level of reserves, the trustees are confident that the Church can continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date of signing of these accounts. Consistent with prior years, the Charity is reliant upon the support of voluntary donations to enable it to continue operating. The Trustees believe that support will continue for further periods into the future and have thus adopted the going concern basis for preparing the financial statements.

Page 4

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable regulations). Under that law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they 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 period.

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

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which 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 Charities (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.

Registered Address:

197 High Street Barnet Hertfordshire EN5 5SU

Robert Leak

Robert Leak (Mar 19, 2025 08:56 GMT)

ROBERT LEAK Treasurer of the Charity Dated: 19/03/2025

Page 5

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HIGH

BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of High Barnet Baptist Church for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position and the notes to the accounts, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner and basic of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

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

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 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.

Julie Mutton

Julie Mutton (Mar 19, 2025 09:05 GMT)

Name: Julie Mutton

Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales 19/03/2025 Address: CLA Evelyn Partners Limited Date: Onslow House Onslow Street Guildford GU1 4TL

Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales

Page 6

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Year Ended 31 December 2024



Note
INCOME
Donations and
Legacies
Voluntary income
Donated services
Rental Income
Investment income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Operations of the
charity
4
TOTAL
EXPENDITURE
Net (expenditure)
/income
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
Accumulated funds
brought forward
Accumulated funds
carried forward		 £
Unrestricted
Funds
71,936
4,000
13,780
5,460

95,176
109,665

109,665

(14,489)
600

(13,889)
405,350
391,461		 2024
£
Restricted
Funds
-
-
-
62
62
-
-
62
(600)
(538)
5,897
5,359		 £
Total Funds
71,936
4,000
13,780
5,522
95,238
109,665
109,665
(14,427)
-
(14,427)
411,247
396,820		 2023
£
Total Funds
44,739
3,800
17,700
3,553
69,792
104,870
104,870
(35,078)
-
(35,078)
446,325
411,247

Page 7

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at 31 December 2024


Note
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
8
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors:amounts falling due within
one year
10
Net current assets
Net assets
General fund
11
Other funds
11
Designated
Restricted
Total funds		 2024
£
£
-
9,003
390,652
399,655
(2,835)
396,820
396,820
226,464
164,997
5,359
170,356

396,820		 2024
£
£
-
9,003
390,652
399,655
(2,835)
396,820
396,820
226,464
164,997
5,359
170,356

396,820		 2024
£
£
-
9,003
390,652
399,655
(2,835)
396,820
396,820
226,464
164,997
5,359
170,356

396,820		 2023
£
£
6,825
6,535
400,564
407,099
(2,677)
404,422
411,247
250,937
154,413
5,897
160,310

411,247		 2023
£
£
6,825
6,535
400,564
407,099
(2,677)
404,422
411,247
250,937
154,413
5,897
160,310

411,247
164,997
5,359		 154,413
5,897
396,820 411,247
250,937
160,310
226,464
170,356
396,820 411,247

Robert Leak Robert Leak (Mar 19, 2025 08:56 GMT)

……………………………………….

R. LEAK

(TREASURER)

Approved by the Trustees on: 19/03/2025

Page 8

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year Ended 31 December 2024

1.Status

High Barnet Baptist Church (“the charity”) is a registered charity with the Charity Commission governed by a Trust Deed dated 20 July 1999. The charity number is 208653. Its principal address is 197 High Street, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 5SU.

2. Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below.

Basis of preparation

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (“FRS 102”) including Section 1A, and with the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with FRS 102 (effective 1 January 2019). The financial statements are also prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity is a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Exemption

The Charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by the FRS 102.

Going concern

Consistent with prior years, the Charity is reliant upon the support of voluntary donations to enable it to continue operating. The Trustees believe that support will continue for further periods into the future and have thus adopted the going concern basis for preparing the financial statements.

Income

All income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, when its receipt is probable and when it can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Page 9

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year Ended 31 December 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Donated services

Donated services are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured.

On receipt, donated services are valued by the Trustee at the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the services or facilities on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

In accordance with the Charities SORP, the general volunteer time is not recognised. The trustees’ annual report provides further information about their contribution.

Expenditure

Expenditure is accounted for in the period in which it is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered which is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Expenditure relating directly to a particular activity is allocated to that activity. Indirect costs are classified as support costs. As the Charity has only one charitable activity, the support costs are allocated solely to that activity.

The charity recognises termination payments in the period in which the termination or redundancy is made and there is a legal or constructive obligation to make the payment.

Operating leases

Rentals under operating leases are charged to the charitable expenditure on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets comprise plant and machinery. Tangible fixed assets with a cost over £3,000 are capitalised. The assets are initially recognised at cost and are depreciated at a rate which corresponds to their estimated useful economic life, as follows:

Plant and machinery – 5 years, straight line basis.

3. Key judgements and estimation uncertainty

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting practice requires management to make estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Judgements

There are no significant judgements made in the preparation of these financial statements.

Estimation uncertainties

There are no significant sources of estimation uncertainty.

Page 10

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year Ended 31 December 2024

4. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Year ended 31 December 2024
Ministerial
Fellowship
Evangelism
Sunday School and youth work
Accommodation (note 5)
Donations (note 6)
Support costs (note 7)
Year ended 31 December 2023
Fellowship
Sunday School and youth work
Accommodation (note 5)
Donations (note 6)
Support costs (note 7)
Busy Bees		 Church
activities
Church
buildings
Donations
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
32,855
-
-
32,855
18,189
-
-
18,189
1,095
-
-
1,095
714
-
-
714
-
40,821
-
40,821
-
-
4,780
4,780
11,211
-
-
11,211
64,064
40,821
4,780
109,665
Church
activities
Church
buildings
Donations
2023
Total
£
£
£
£
868
-
-
868
197
-
-
197
-
90,700
-
90,700
-
-
3,752
3,752
9,203
-
-
9,203
150
-
-
150
10,418
90,700
3,752
104,870

5. Analysis of accommodation expenditure

Church repairs and maintenance
Church heating repairs / water boiler
Church electrical safety inspection and repairs
Church replacement laptop and sundry equipment
Manse security repairs / maintenance /refurbishment
Manse replacement fencing, gates, shed, carpet,
professional fees and internal fittings and fixtures
Manse garden
Manse heat and light
Manse agents letting fees
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Church heat and light
Rates
Insurance
Cleaning		 2024
£
3,906
1,302
5,568
2,204
1,668
3,435
1,125
5
1,251
6,825
3,590
2,506
4,167
3,269
40,821		 2023
£
512
1,824
-
-
53,033
10,291
3,790
1,491
1,152
6,825
3,346
1,600
4,071
2,765
90,700

Page 11

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year Ended 31 December 2024

6. Analysis of donation expenditure

Overseas
David and Marlene Fry
TEAR Fund
Home
FIEC
London City Mission
.Analysis of support costs
Printing, website, postage and stationery
Telephone
Music
Accountancy
Subscriptions & LBPB fees
Sundry
Governance costs:
Independent examination 2024
Independent examination 2023 adjustment		 2024
£
1,380
1,113
1,224
1,063
4,780
2024
£
1,723
1,590
511
4,000
490
100
2,835
(38)
11,211		 2023
£
1,130
1,094
1,128
400
3,752
2023
£
857
1,292
487
3,800
90
-
2,677
-
9,203

7. Analysis of support costs

Page 12

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year Ended 31 December 2024

8. Tangible fixed assets
Plant & Machinery
Cost
At 1 January and 31 December
At 1 January
Charge for the year
At 31 December
Net book value
At 31 December
9.Current assets
10. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Gift aid recoverable
Prepayments
Independent examination fee accrual		 2024
£
34,125
(27,300)
(6,825)
(34,125)
-
2024
£
8,205
798
9,003
2024
£
2,835		 2023
£
34,125
(20,475)
(6,825)
(27,300)
6,825
2023
£
6,535
-
6,535
2023
£
2,677

Page 13

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year Ended 31 December 2024

11. Funds

unds
General funds including M Thorp Legacy
Designated
Building Fund (BF)
Additional Workers Fund (AW)
Stipend Fund (SF)
Restricted
Busy Bees (BB)
Fellowship Fund (FF)
Mrs. Gibbins Legacy (GL)		 2024
£
226,464
9,568
127,213
28,216
164,997
1,116
-
4,243
5,359
396,820		 2023
£
250,937
1,272
125,340
27,801
154,413
1,116
600
4,181
5,897
411,247

Designated Funds are set aside by the Trustees as part of the financial planning of the Church to provide for likely future expenditure on staff (SF), buildings (BF) and the cost of additional workers not covered by annual income (AW). Designation can be changed at any time.

Restricted Funds have been given to the Church to be used for specific purposes.

BB is to be used for the Busy Bees mother and toddler group. FF is to be used to help individuals with financial needs. GL is to be used to help Church members who wish to enter full time Christian work. AW is to cover the costs of additional workers not covered by annual income.

Page 14

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year Ended 31 December 2024

12. Analysis of net assets between funds

General Funds
General Fund
M Thorp Legacy
Total General Funds
Designated Funds
Additional Workers
Fund
Stipend Fund
Building / Manse
Fund
Total Designated
Funds
Restricted Funds
Busy Bees
Fellowship Fund
Mrs. Gibbins
Legacy
Total Restricted
Funds
Total Funds		 Tangible
fixed
assets
Cash at bank
and in hand
Other current
assets/(liabilities)
£
£
£
-
114,438
6,168
-
105,858
-
-
127,213
-
-
28,216
-
-
9,568
-
-
1,116
-
-
-
-
-
4,243
-		 Net
Assets
£
120,606
105,858
226,464
127,213
28,216
9,568
164,997
1,116
-
4,243
5,359
-
390,652
6,168		 396,820

13. Beneficial interest in property

The Charity has beneficial interests in the following properties:

The Manse, 10 Queens Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire. High Barnet Baptist Church, 197 High Street, Barnet, Hertfordshire.

Page 15

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year Ended 31 December 2024

14. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses

No Trustees received any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in the year (2023: Nil) in connection with their services as a Trustee.

15. Related party transactions

The charity received donations and donated services, given without any conditions, from related parties totalling £14,560 (2023: £9,160).

16. Analysis of staff costs

The average number of persons employed by the Church during the year was 2 (2023: 1). No employee received remuneration in excess of £60,000.

Wages and salaries
Social security
Total		 2024
£
30,575
2,417
32,992		 2023
£
2,760
-
2,760

17. Operating lease commitments

At 31 December 2024 the charity had no operating lease commitments (2023: £nil).

Page 16

HIGH BARNET BAPTIST CHURCH

ANALYSIS OF INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Year Ended 31 December 2024

Unrestricted Funds

Incoming resources from
generated funds:
Voluntary income
Donated services
Rental Income
Investment income
Total incoming resources
Resources expended:
Charitable Activities
Operations of the charity
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Designated Funds
Total
2024
£
General
Fund (GF)
£
M Thorp (GF)
Legacy
£
Building
/Manse
Fund
£
Stipend
Fund
£
Additional
Workers
Fund
£
71,936
69,936
-
2,000
-
-
4,000
4,000
-
-
-
-
13,780
-
-
13,780
-
-
5,522
1,614
1,558
-
415
1,873		 Designated Funds
Restricted Funds
95,238
75,550
1,558
15,780
415
1,873		 -
62
-
-
69,792
109,665
102,181
-
7,484
-
-		 -
-
-
-
104,870
109,665
102,181
-
7,484
-
-		 -
-
-
-
104,870
(14,427)
(26,631)
1,558
8,296
415
1,873
-
600
-
-
-
-		 -
62
-
-
(35,078)
(600)
-
-
-
-
(14,427)
(26,031)
1,558
8,296
415
1,873		 (600)
62
-
-
(35,078)
411,247
146,637
104,300
1,272
27,801
125,340		 600
4,181
1,116
-
411,247
396,820
120,606
105,858
9,568
28,216
127,213		 -
4,243
1,116
-
411,247

All operations are classed as continuing. There are no recognised gains or losses other than those passing through the Statement of Financial Activities.

Page 17

High Barnet Baptist Church 197 High Street Barnet Hertfordshire EN5 5SU

Charity number: 208653

Julie Mutton CLA Evelyn Partners Limited Onslow House Onslow Street Guildford GU1 4TL

Dear Sirs

We confirm that the following representations given to you in connection with your independent examination of the financial statements of High Barnet Baptist Church (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31 December 2024 are made on the basis of enquiries of management with relevant knowledge and experience sufficient to satisfy ourselves that we can properly make the following representations to you.

There have been no changes in circumstances since we made our assessment of going concern.

The disclosures in note 2 to the financial statements are an accurate reflection of our plans for the future and we consider that those plans are feasible.

Yours faithfully

Robert Leak Robert Leak (Mar 19, 2025 08:56 GMT) ………….…………….…………….… Trustee

19/03/2025

………….…………….…

Date

Signed on behalf of the board of trustees