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2024-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 236711 (England and Wales)

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Andrew Michael White (Appointed 23 March 2024) Lynda Allan MBE (Appointed 23 March 2024) Dr Geoffrey Wolff Mr F Melis Georgina Harley-Smith Rory Michael Hutchings Daniel Howard-Schiff Samuel Francis Infield Alison May Watson Dr Brian William Jacobs Maya Jaffe Charity number 236711 Principal address 1 Prentis Road Streatham London SW16 1HP Independent examiner SBM Associates Limited 24 Wandsworth Road London SW8 2JW

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

CONTENTS

Page
Chair's Report 1
Report 2 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Statement of cash flows
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 16

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

CHAIR'S REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

It is always difficult to look back at the previous year when we are well into the new one, but it is also very salutary to look back over Council reports and see what has been achieved.

The first thing I note is that we continued to benefit from our rabbi Nathan: he has really brought a sense of community and stability. Services are excellent thanks to him, our service leaders and the wonderful choir and singers. I am very grateful to them all.

Progress has been made on the building front. Andy’s tireless work has meant minor (and sometimes major) repairs are done in house, and the building is the better for it. We have also had work done to deal with damp in the basement and the ATP flat. The fundraising committee has raised money for insulating the sanctuary.

The mould and damp in the ATP flat meant that the family had to be rehomed (the flat was too small for their needs as well). A huge amount of effort has gone into refurbishing it and we look forward to welcoming a new family in April.

Gesher continued to flourish, thanks to Zach and Jackie Ashton and all the teachers and assistants, and was joined

by Tinnokot for very young members.

We monitored the proposals for Progressive Judaism and Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy came to tell us about the proposals in July.

At the very beginning of the current year, Council held a successful awayday where we considered the future. We agreed the building remained a huge asset, both in providing a base for the community and as a source of income. We also agreed that reserves should be maintained at at least half of annual forecast expenditure.

The synagogue flourishes because so many members of the community contribute - not just subs, but skills, time and effort. I am very grateful to them.

Chairman

Date: 25 April 2025

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

The Council of The South London Liberal Synagogue (the Synagogue) presents its annual report together with the statement of accounts of the Synagogue in respect of the financial year ended 31 August 2024. The financial statements do not need to be audited, but have been independently examined by Stephen McAlpine, whose report appears below.

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 Synagogue's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

Origin and objectives of the charity

The Synagogue was established in 1929 and is an unincorporated association.

Under its current Constitution of 10 December 2022 (the Constitution) the Synagogue has the following purpose: to advance Liberal Judaism by actions, teaching and practice, in particular (but not exclusively) by means of:

(a) providing religious education for children and adults and providing facilities and teaching leading to Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah and Kabbalat Torah (Confirmation);

(b) providing and maintaining a place for public religious worship and providing, arranging and conducting religious services;

(c) providing facilities for the solemnisation of marriages and for burials and cremations.

Review of the activities

A review of the main activities of the Synagogue in relation to the purpose described above is contained in the Chair’s Report and in the reports on Synagogue activities set out elsewhere in this report.

Chair's report

As trustees we aim to sustain the community and ensure the building gives it a space to thrive. Over the last year in addition to the normal cycle of religious and community activities, we have commissioned a survey, upgraded the ATP flat and continued to work on the usability of the building. This work is impossible without the help of many volunteers to whom I am indebted.

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Reserves policy

The Charity’s principal activities are detailed above.

  1. The present reserve level is considered realistic in order to maintain liquid reserves to cover the Synagogue’s day to day activities.

  2. At each annual Budget meeting, a review of the current level of reserves will be undertaken against Budget predictions.

Risk management

Council has decided not to prepare a formal risk review report. However, the Council has given consideration to the major risks to which the Synagogue is exposed and satisfied itself that systems or procedures are established in order to manage those risks. The Council will continue to review areas of potential risk. The principal financial risks identified in the short to medium term are as follows:

Plans for future periods

The Trustees remain committed to fostering the growth and development of community programs, ensuring they continue to meet the diverse needs of our members. Additionally, they will maintain their dedication to providing safe and supportive accommodations for refugees in the designated refugee flat, offering them a welcoming environment as they rebuild their lives.

Structure, governance and management Governance

The Synagogue and its property and assets are administered and managed by its Council, members of which are the charity trustees of the Synagogue. Decisions concerning day-to-day management of the Synagogue are made by the Chair together with the other officers. In accordance with the Constitution, members of Council are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Synagogue (or, in the event of a casual vacancy, appointed by the Council to serve until the next AGM) and serve without compensation.

In carrying out their responsibilities the members of Council, as trustees of the Synagogue, have had regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales (the Charity Commission).

Title to the property of the Synagogue was held during the past year by property trustees Eve Samson and Shai Wade.

Total members at 31 August 2024: 254 (2023: 245), which included 9 Honorary Members (2023: 9), and 28 Friends (2023: 26).

Members We welcomed 12 new Members; 8 Members left the community.

Friends We welcomed 6 new Friends of SLLS; 1 friend left the community and 3 became members.

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

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

Andrew Michael White (Appointed 23 March 2024) Lynda Allan MBE (Appointed 23 March 2024) Dr Geoffrey Wolff Mr F Melis Georgina Harley-Smith Rory Michael Hutchings Daniel Howard-Schiff Samuel Francis Infield Alison May Watson Dr Brian William Jacobs Maya Jaffe William Cohen (Resigned 23 March 2024) Andrew Hoffman (Resigned 23 March 2024)

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees. 25 April 2025

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of South London Liberal Synagogue (the Synagogue) for the year ended 31 August 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

I report in respect of my examination of the Synagogue’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

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.

Stephen McAlpine SBM Associates Limited

24 Wandsworth Road London SW8 2JW Date: ............................

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
3
174,618
7,371
Total income
174,618
7,371
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
177,960
6,471
Total expenditure
177,960
6,471
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
(3,342)
900
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 September 2023
188,571
46,119
Fund balances at 31 August 2024
185,229
47,019
Restated
Restated
Restated
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
181,989
188,299
7,822
196,121
181,989
188,299
7,822
196,121
184,431
211,814
4,858
216,672
184,431
211,814
4,858
216,672
(2,442)
(23,515)
2,964
(20,551)
234,690
212,086
43,155
255,241
232,248
188,571
46,119
234,690

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

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
Current assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
10
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the Synagogue
Restricted income funds
12
Unrestricted funds
13
2024
£
6,560
110,336
116,896
(11,329)
£
126,681
105,567
232,248
47,019
185,229
232,248
Restated
2023
£
£
132,833
15,114
94,063
109,177
(7,320)
101,857
234,690
46,119
188,571
234,690
Restated
2023
£
£
132,833
15,114
94,063
109,177
(7,320)
101,857
234,690
46,119
188,571
234,690
234,690
46,119
188,571
234,690

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 25 April 2025

Trustee

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

South London Liberal Synagogue is a community place of worship and member of Liberal Judaism.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Synagogue's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The Synagogue is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Synagogue has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities 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 Synagogue. 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 Prior period errors

The comparative information has been restated to address inaccuracies in the financial statements of previous periods identified during the preparation of the current period's financial statements.

1.3 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Synagogue 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.

1.4 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.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Synagogue.

1.5 Income

Income is recognised when the Synagogue 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 Synagogue 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.

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Synagogue 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.

1.6 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 are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.7 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets 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 bases:

Freehold property and improvements 2% on cost Furniture 25% reducing balance Equipment 20% on cost

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.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Synagogue 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 Synagogue has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Synagogue's balance sheet when the Synagogue 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.

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors 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 creditors 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 creditors 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 creditors 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 Synagogue’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 Synagogue 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 Synagogue’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.

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

3 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Charitable activities
Income from Charitable
Activities
173,068
4,193
Services provided under
contract
-
3,178
Other income
1,550
-
174,618
7,371
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
177,261
187,606
7,822
3,178
-
-
1,550
693
-
181,989
188,299
7,822
Total
2023
£
195,428
-
693
196,121

4 Expenditure on charitable activities

Expenditure Expenditure
on on
Charitable Charitable
Activities Activities
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 96,760 89,982
Depreciation and impairment 6,608 6,698
Charitable expenses 26,343 16,510
Building expenses 16,697 11,486
Religion (Gesher) 411 697
Utilities 7,454 6,215
Insurance 11,009 10,311
Burial costs 660 2,382
Management and Administration 4,146 3,669
Minister's expenses 1,496 67,193
Bank charges 257 136
Bad debt expense 12,590 1,393
184,431 216,672
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 177,960 211,814
Restricted funds 6,471 4,858
184,431 216,672

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

5 Independent Examiner's remuneration

Fees payable to the charity's independent examiner: 2024 2023
£ £
For independent examination services
Independent examination of the financial statements of the charity 5,450 -
6 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
2024 2023
Number Number
11 11
Employment costs 2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 86,147 79,633
Social security costs 2,702 3,014
Other pension costs 7,911 7,335
96,760 89,982

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

7 Taxation

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

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

8
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold
property and
improvements
£
Cost
At 1 September 2023
207,466
Additions
-
At 31 August 2024
207,466
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 September 2023
82,536
Depreciation charged in the year
4,009
At 31 August 2024
86,545
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2024
120,921
At 31 August 2023
124,930
9
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
10
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
11
Related party transactions
Furniture
£
16,820
-
16,820
16,820
-
16,820
-
-
Equipment
£
12,996
456
13,452
5,093
2,599
7,692
5,760
7,903
2024
£
6,002
558
6,560
2024
£
1,580
9,439
310
11,329
Total
£
237,282
456
237,738
104,449
6,608
111,057
126,681
132,833
2023
£
14,742
372
15,114
2023
£
1,109
6,071
140
7,320

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

12 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.

At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2024
2023
£ £ £ £
- - - -
Adopt a Chair - 750 (452) 299
Ajex - 213 (213) -
Burial and Cremation Scheme 45,994 278 298 46,570
The Security Fund (461) 2,992 (3,364) (833)
Rabbis for Human Rights - 873 (873) -
Red Cross Appeal - 523 (523) -
Spires - 963 (963) -
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund 586 780 (382) 984
46,119 7,371 (6,471) 47,019
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2023
2022
£ £ £ £
- - - -
Young Minds - 722 (722) -
Rene Cassin - 697 (697) -
Building Fund - 1,354 (1,354) -
The Security Fund - 1,624 (2,085) (461)
Burial and Cremation 41,801 2,776 1,418 45,995
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund 1,354 650 (1,418) 586
43,155 7,822 (4,858) 46,119

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

12 Restricted funds

(Continued)

The restricted funds are:

Adopt a Chair - Adopt a Chair is a fund destined to the cleaning and improvement of the chairs used for festivities and functions happening in the Synagogue.

Ajex Festival Grants Fund - The Ajex Festival Grants Fund is for contributions to the AJEX Annual Parade & Ceremony of Remembrance.

Burial and Cremation Scheme - The Burial and Cremation Scheme is a fund destined to support members of the Synagogue with their funeral costs.

The Security Fund is for contributions towards the Community Security Trust (CST), which is responsible for the Synagogue's Security.

Rabbis for Human Rights - Rabbis for Human Rights (RHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Red Cross Appeal - The Red Cross Appeal is a fund destined to support the operations of the Red Cross.

Spires - Spires is a south London based charity that has been supporting homeless and disadvantaged men and women.

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund - The Rabbi's Discretionary Fund is a fund used at the discretion of the Rabbi for costs related to the members and/or the Synagogue itself.

13 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 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2024
2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 188,571 174,618 (177,960) 185,229
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2023
2022
£ £ £ £
General funds 212,086 188,299 (211,814) 188,571

SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

14 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
At 31 August 2024:
Tangible assets
126,681
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
58,548
47,019
185,229
47,019
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
At 31 August 2023:
Tangible assets
132,833
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
55,738
46,119
188,571
46,119
Total
2024
£
126,681
105,567
232,248
Total
2023
£
132,833
101,857
234,690