**Charity registration number 504336**
**UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
**Minister** Rabbi A M Lipsey **Honorary officers** President Dr R A Grant Vice president Mrs A N Ross Wardens Mr P Niman Dr R A Grant Immediate past President Mr AA Josephs **Council life member** Mr S D Pearlman **Elected by the General meeting of the United Hebrew Congregation on 20 December 2021 Honorary Legal Advisor** Mr B N Speker OBE, DL **Trustees** Mr H B Gold Dr R A Grant Mr B N Speker OBE, DL Mr A A Josephs **Secretary** Ms N Dumes Office of the United Hebrew Congregation Lionel Jacobson House Graham Park Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4BJ Telephone/Fax: 0191 284 0959 Email: secretary@uhcnewcastle.uk **Charity number** 504336 **Principal address** Office of the United Hebrew Congregation Lionel Jacobson House Graham Park Road Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4BJ **Independent examiner** RMT Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Gosforth Park Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8EG **Bankers** NatWest Bank Plc Barclays Bank Plc Lloyds Bank Plc
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION (CONTINUED)**
## **Burial Committee**
Chair Mrs P Gold Vice Chair Mrs H Freeman
## **Kosher Facility & Kashrus Committee**
Rabbi A M Lipsey Mrs A N Ross Mrs G Sterrie Mr R Goldsmith
**Representatives of the United Hebrew Congregation to the Representative Council of North East Jewry:**
Mrs P Gold Mrs A N Ross Mr H B Gold Dr R A Grant
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **CONTENTS**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Message from Rabbi Aaron Lipsey|1|
|Trustee's report|2 - 3|
|President's annual report|4 - 6|
|Finance committee report|7|
|Independent examiner's report|8|
|Statement of financial activities|9 - 10|
|Balance sheet|11|
|Notes to the accounts|12 - 25|
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **MESSAGE FROM RABBI AARON LIPSEY**
## Dear Friends,
As I once again write a report – my thirteenth - for the AGM booklet, I am filled with gratitude and appreciation for the journey we have shared over the past year. This is the time to reflect on our accomplishments, consider our future, and strengthen the bonds that make our community so special.
## Here are some highlights of the past year:
Spiritual Growth: We have enriched our spiritual lives through meaningful services, inspiring sermons (alright, you be the judge), and vibrant holiday celebrations.
Educational Programs: Our classes and study groups have offered opportunities for all ages to deepen their
understanding of Judaism.
Community Services: Together, we have supported those in need of help and assistance, through the entire
range of life events.
Student Engagement: Our work with students, nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders and fostering a strong sense of identity and community has taken a leap forward this year with many more coming forward and participating after the events of October 7th.
The war that Israel is fighting has created tremendous stresses and strains both in Israel and in the Diaspora. Newcastle has experienced a rise in antisemitism and we have all been affected personally in one way or another. We continue to pray for the hostages, for the brave soldiers of the IDF and for all the civilians caught up in this terrible conflict. Please G-d a solution will be found that ensures Israel’s safety and security with peaceful neighbours and an end to all war.
Thinking about the year ahead, I hope that we will continue to build on our successes, expanding our programs and finding new ways to connect and inspire. Of course, your involvement is crucial. Be it through attending services or participating in events, every contribution makes such a difference. Needless to say, as we plan for the future, your support is essential to sustain our community.
I would like to close by expressing gratitude to our Executive and committee, and to the volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to helping others. But none of it would work without you, our members. Your presence, participation, and generosity make our Shul – and our community - a vibrant and welcoming place.
As we embark on the coming year, I would like to thank you for being a part of this journey. Your contributions and dedication are at the heart of everything we achieve together.
With blessings and warm regards,
Aaron
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## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **TRUSTEE'S 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 [governing document], 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 objects of the charity, as set out in clause 3 of the Constitution, are, in summary:
- to provide places of worship for Jewish people, in accordance with practices approved by the Chief Rabbi;
- to provide religious instruction, in accordance with these principles;
- provision for burial of Jewish people;
- provision of Kashrus services;
- relief of poor persons of Jewish religion; and
- contributing to other religious and charitable purposes in connection with the Jewish religion.
## _**Public benefit**_
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
## _**Activities**_
The Statement of Financial Activities for the year is set out on page 9 - 10. Core activities include:
- holding of religious services;
- formal and informal educational activities;
- maintenance of cemeteries and undertaking burials;
- provision of kosher food;
- social activities and support;
- promotion of good relations with other religious groups.
## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
A review of the charity's achievements and performance during the year can be found on page 12 onwards of these financial statements.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## _**Results for the year**_
During the year the charity reported a deficit of £146,612 (2022: deficit £173,587). The Kosher Food Facility made a deficit of £7,028 (2022: deficit £7,977).
## _**Policies on Reserves**_
The charity holds reserves in order to ensure that the UHC can maintain the level of services to the community which it currently provides. In considering the policy on reserves we consider that our free reserves of £337,993 (2022: £760,166) (being those not tied up in fixed assets) should be sufficient to meet our charitable expenditure for approximately six months.
## _**Risk management**_
The members of Council actively review the risks to which the charity is exposed on a regular basis and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that steps can be taken to lessen the impact of these risks.
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## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **TRUSTEE'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## _**Governing document**_
The charity is governed by its constitution as amended 8 May 2008.
## _**Trustees**_
The Trustees who served during the year were: Mr H B Gold Dr R A Grant Mr B N Speker OBE, DL Mr A A Josephs
## _**Appointment of Trustees**_
Clause 20 of the Constitution provides for the appointment by the Council of trustees of any property acquired by or for the purposes of the congregation.
## _**Organisational structure**_
This is as set out on the legal and administrative information pages of the report.
## _**Key management personnel remuneration**_
The trustees consider the board of trustees and the members of the council as comprising the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day to day basis. Details of trustee and key management remuneration and expenses are disclosed in note 8 to the accounts.
The Trustee's report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
## **Dr R A Grant**
## **Trustee**
Dated: 27 October 2024
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## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT**
## **2023 President’s Report**
I am pleased to present the President’s report for 2023.
After an extended period of disruption, we have finally managed to settle down to a regular routine. The refurbishment work of Lionel Jacobson House has taken a long time and to some extent continues as we “mop up” outstanding items that seem to be taking forever. Nevertheless, the building is broadly finished and highly functional – some might even say cosy when compared with the last few years in the increasingly dark and dingy old Shul. We are now very much making our lives in our “new”, brightly lit and well-heated (and cooled) building.
## **Yomim Naroim**
Our services were lead by Rabbi Lipsey and Rabbi Daniel Shields. Daniel is, of course, well known to us having grown up in Sunderland and it was a pleasure to have him help us. I thank them both for their assistance on what is to any Chazan, a hard-working day. Their efforts help make the High Holy days something a little bit more special and meaningful.
Our two Chatanim were David Ward (Chatan Torah) and Mike Solomons (Chatan Bereishit) and whilst numbers were much down on years gone by, it was still very much enjoyed by those present – and undoubtedly helped by David’s whisky
## **Rabbi Lipsey**
Rabbi Lipsey and Rebbetzin Miriam continue to lead our small community with unbounded enthusiasm.
Rabbi Lipsey remains a source of help and advice whenever I am faced with communal matters in my rôles of President and Gabbai and for that I thank him.
## **Development of the Lionel Jacobson House**
Members will have seen months of activity in and around the House. A huge amount of work has gone into this and the Executive has taken every effort to make the building attractive, comfortable and inviting. Above all, I have insisted that the building be warm and well-lit internally, we really do want a building that is very much the opposite of what eventually happened to the Shul which over the years, sadly became dark and uninviting.
A new high-efficiency heating boiler has been installed, with effective (and silent) radiators (gone are the old noisy “blowers”) and which provides near-immediate hot water at the taps. Lighting is the new all-LED type and consumes a fraction of the electricity that the many tungsten and fluorescent bulbs in the old Shul did and we are starting to see a slow decrease in our power bills, something which is of critical importance in the current climate of uncertain energy costs.
## **Sale of Land at Hazlerigg**
We have made further progress regarding the sale of surplus land at Hazlerigg. We now have an interested party who is anxious to buy but there are some administrative issues to overcome before a sale can go through. I know that the buyer is very keen, I remain hopeful that we can conclude very shortly. Barry Speker has continued to advise us on the legal aspects of the sale and has helped me coordinate with our solicitors.
## **Youth and Education**
I should like to again thank Rabbi and Rebbetzin Lipsey and all those who have helped this year. Rabbi and Rebbetzin Lipsey are prepared for any child or, or for that matter, adult who may wish to learn, you just need to ask!
The Lipseys also regularly offer a Shabbat meal to students on Friday nights, giving them an opportunity to mix and talk over a kosher meal.
As always, I should like to thank Deanna Van der Velde for the time she devotes to education about Judaism, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust in the wider community. Her visits were paused for some time whilst the refurbishment was done but I am pleased to say that her work is now back in full swing with regular visits from schools and the like. I thank her for her continuing efforts in this and her inter-faith work, a truly important aspect of inter-communal and public relations.
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**UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT**
## **Chevra Kadisha**
I want to thank Pamela Gold and Hilary Freeman who are our point of contact for the Chevra Kadisha. In particular, I would also like to thank Tzviki Sandler and the Gateshead Hebrew Burial Society who go about their work in a quiet, efficient and unassuming way.
## **Treasurer**
In particular, I would like to mention both Raymond Goldsmith in his rôle as Treasurer and Walter Knoblauch as bookkeeper. Whilst much of the work involved in our refurb is now broadly completed, the Shul is a complex organisation with many financial transactions and these two gentlemen continue to work hard and diligently to keep our accounts up-to-date and all the bills paid promptly.
## **Ladies’ Guild**
The Ladies’ Guild continues to work tirelessly for the benefit of the Congregation. As well as organising the weekly Kiddushim, they have helped with a variety of events such as refreshments at Purim, Simchas Torah and on other occasions, and in organising cleaning the Shul silver prior to the Yomin Naroim.
In particular, I should like to thank co-Chairs Adrienne Ross and Gloria Sterrie for their hard work throughout the
year.
I am pleased to report that the Drop-in is open every Wednesday lunchtime. If you haven’t been before, why not try it, you get a tasty meal from a menu and a natter with your friends.
## **Secretary**
Michelle Conway has now retired as our secretary after some 12 years of service. In her place, we have appointed Ms Nicole Dumes who works all day Thursdays instead of the former Monday and Thursday mornings. Nicole has settled in very well and thanks to a guidance document written by Michelle before she left, she has found her feet without any problems.
## **Kosher Facility**
The Facility is well settled into its new premises and is run very capably by its manager, Lee Harrison. I should like to thank Raymond Goldsmith who works closely with Lee to ensure that members of the Congregation can make vital purchases to enable Kashrut to be kept in the Community and to provide a wide range of supplies. It is worth mentioning that Lee and his helpers put in an enormous amount of time and energy to keep the Facility operational with a strictly Kosher l’Pesach shop when the time comes. We are grateful to Lee and those volunteers, who help when necessary, and have on occasion, been willing to deliver orders.
It is essential that the community continues to support the facility. It really is a case of, “use it or lose it.” Quite simply, if you choose to buy elsewhere, you seriously risk the long-term future of the place and that would be tragedy.
## **Functions Committee**
The Functions Committee under Adrienne Ross has not been as active as it used to be and this is simply because we don’t have the numbers of either helpers of community but nevertheless, the committee have risen to the occasion when the occasion when needed.
## **Adviser on legal matters**
I should like to thank our legal adviser, Barry Speker, who continues to provide his support and advice whenever needed. Again, we have made heavy demands of him and he has responded in his usual authoritative and efficient manner to the many phone calls and emails and I am very grateful for his assistance and valued counsel.
## **Security**
We continue to use security from a company recognised by CST and have had the use of a guard for Shabbat and Yomtov. This has been funded principally from a small levy paid for by members and I can report that this has been very successful and helped by occasional financial supplements from CST when their own coffers allowed.
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**UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT**
As part of our refurb, we now have a full CCTV monitoring system which keeps 24/7 monitoring of the entire site. In today’s society, this provides a degree of reassurance to all who use the site – it may not catch those who may wish us ill but it certainly acts as a deterrent to anyone who has no business on the site.
## **Caretaking**
Mike Robson, our caretaker continues to work providing a high level of service on the site. One day, its chair and table moving, another might be fixing a door handle, or general cleaning and the next may be gardening - real Mr Fix-it! Thanks, Mike, for all your hard work.
## **Mitzvah Day**
We are grateful to Brenda Levinson’s call for help for Mitzvah Day. As in the past, they collected goodies for homeless people, to be distributed by the Changing Lives Charity.
Over 20 members of the Newcastle community came together to pack boxes along with representatives from Northumbria Police Community Engagement team and friends from the Anglican and Catholic communities, over 30 people in total. Over 150 shoe boxes were prepared, filled with toiletries, gloves, woolly hats, scarves etc., and sweets, chocolates and treats, all to be distributed by the Changing Lives workers and volunteers.
In addition to the shoe boxes, other items were collected, rucksacks, warm clothes, socks, hats and food and warm blankets. Changing Lives were overwhelmed yet again with the community’s efforts, and we look forward to doing the same again this year.
## **Memorial boards**
We currently don’t have any of the original memorial boards displaying, the old ones were taken down when the building was refurbished. There are plans to install a new automated video system in its place and this will be started in due course.
## **Condolences**
The following members passed away during the year. Condolences are extended to their families: Joy Mendoza, Joe Block, Seryl Spicker. Abraham Tabbush, Gwendoline Lamb, Morris and Lily Harris and Trevor Leonard.
## **Finally**
In conclusion, I should like to record my gratitude to members of Council for their support and advice. There are many others who have assisted with advice or action, it would be invidious to mention them all for fear of missing anyone out but I would particularly like to thank my co-Gabbai, Peter Niman, who has effectively relieved me of Gabbai-ing duties to allow me to concentrate on my other duties and young Moish who has quietly stepped up to assist Peter. Peter continues to organise the Maftirs, and other administrative matters in connection with services and of course, Rabbi Lipsey for his untiring and unwavering support and friendship throughout sometimes difficult times and last but definitely not least, Rebbetzin Miriam for all the quiet work she does behind the scenes without acknowledgement or publicity.
## **Richard Grant**
1 August 2024
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## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT**
I present my report for 2023, a year in which we incurred a loss of £146,612 (2022: £173,587).
Our income has reduced due to the reduction in our membership, sadly, and a reduction in donations, and our expenditure has remained high largely because of maintaining a building which is over 100 years old . The Finance Committee are looking actively at ways of further reducing our overheads. Richard in his President’s Report has already stated that we have much more energy efficient heating and lighting systems in LJ House and this is now producing lower utility bills.
Discussions are still ongoing with the prospective sale of the land at Hazelrigg. The UHC is to be a beneficiary from the proceeds of an estate and these funds will be very welcome.
Whilst the sale of the shul for the time being has given us a positive bank balance this is likely to be only for a short period of time. The costs of refurbishing Lionel Jacobson House to provide us with a modern shul and community building as well as the residential accommodation above have used up a lot of these funds and this is reflected in the increase in the losses for 2022 and 2023. It is inevitable that the income will reduce and it will become necessary to use the proceeds of the sale to keep our community solvent.
I would like to thank the Honorary Officers and the Finance Committee for their support during the year and Walter Knoblauch for his daily book keeping duties, claims and salaries and RMT for their assistance, their advice and for the audit work.
## **Raymond Goldsmith Treasurer**
Dated: 27 October 2024
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## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT**
## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of United Hebrew Congregation of Newcastle Upon Tyne (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**
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 financial statements do not accord with those records; or
- 3 the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
## **Stephen D Slater FCA for and on behalf of RMT Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Gosforth Park Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8EG**
Dated: 28 October 2024
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## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**Current financial year**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2023**
**2023**
**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
**3**
19,756
-
Charitable activities
**4**
168,573
-
Investments
**7**
5,198
-
Other income
**8**
4,113
-
**Total income**
197,640
-
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
**10**
340,396
3,856
Other
**12**
-
-
**Total resources expended**
340,396
3,856
**Net expenditure for the year/**
**Net movement in funds**
(142,756)
(3,856)
Fund balances at 1 January 2023
1,736,652
38,197
**Fund balances at 31 December 2023**
1,593,896
34,341|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
19,756
168,573
5,198
4,113
197,640
344,252
-
344,252
(146,612)
1,774,849
1,628,237|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
23,060
163,970
2,268
3,737
193,035
366,537
85
366,622
(173,587)
1,948,436
1,774,849|
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
- 9 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**Prior financial year**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2022**
**2022**
**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
**3**
23,060
-
Charitable activities
**4**
163,970
-
Investments
**7**
2,268
-
Other income
**8**
3,737
-
**Total income**
193,035
-
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
**10**
331,838
34,699
Other
**12**
85
-
**Total resources expended**
331,923
34,699
**Net expenditure for the year/**
**Net movement in funds**
(138,888)
(34,699)
Fund balances at 1 January 2022
1,875,540
72,896
**Fund balances at 31 December 2022**
1,736,652
38,197|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
23,060
163,970
2,268
3,737
193,035
366,537
85
366,622
(173,587)
1,948,436
1,774,849|
|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
- 10 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **BALANCE SHEET**
## **AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**Notes**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
**13**
**Current assets**
Stocks
**15**
Debtors
**14**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
**16**
Net current assets
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**The funds of the charity**
Restricted income funds
**17**
Unrestricted funds|**2023**
**£**
**£**
1,255,903
4,413
36,990
385,392
426,795
54,461
372,334
1,628,237
34,341
1,593,896
1,628,237|**2022**
**£**
**£**
976,486
5,326
26,213
828,257
859,796
61,433
798,363
1,774,849
38,197
1,736,652
1,774,849|**2022**
**£**
**£**
976,486
5,326
26,213
828,257
859,796
61,433
798,363
1,774,849
38,197
1,736,652
1,774,849|
|---|---|---|---|
||||1,774,849|
||||38,197
1,736,652|
||||1,774,849|
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 27 October 2024
## **Dr R A Grant Trustee**
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**UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Charity information**
United Hebrew Congregation of Newcastle Upon Tyne is a charity governed by its constitution as adopted 18 December 1972 and subsequently altered by scheme dated 5 August 1999 as amended 8th May 2008.
## **1.1 Accounting convention**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) 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)" (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 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. The Board has concluded that the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these financial statements.
## **1.3 Charitable funds**
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the members of the council in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.
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.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
## **1.4 Incoming resources**
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.
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**UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **(Continued)**
## **1.5 Resources expended**
Expenditure is classified under the principal categories of charitable expenditure and governance costs.
Charitable expenditure relates to direct charitable expenditure as well as the management and administration of the charity.
Governance costs are general costs which have been incurred in order that the charity can operate effectively and in generating the information required for public accounting.
## **1.6 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 land and buildings No depreciation Property improvements No depreciation Fixtures and fittings 15% reducing balance Motor vehicles
No depreciation is provided on freehold property and property improvements as the Council consider that the sum involved is not material, having regard to the Congregation's policy to keep the property in a high state of repair.
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 Impairment of fixed 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).
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
## **1.8 Stocks**
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to sell.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
## **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.
- 13 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **(Continued)**
## **1.10 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 measure at their settlement value.
## **1.11 Retirement benefits**
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
## **1.12 Scrolls of the Law, Silver Plate and other Religious Articles**
The Synagogue has numerous items falling within this category. In the absence of documentary evidence or other information, no historical cost can be allocated and they consequently do not appear as part of the assets of the Congregation. The items included under this heading are insured at a value of £235,602.
## **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.
- 14 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **3 Donations and legacies**
||**Unrestricted **|**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**|
||**2023**|**2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Donations and gifts|15,261|23,060|
|Grants receivable|4,495|-|
||19,756|23,060|
|**Donations and gifts**|||
|Visiting resources fund|89|319|
|Offerings and donations|8,393|19,373|
|Security levy|3,162|3,408|
|Arba Mimim|640|(40)|
|Other|2,977|-|
||15,261|23,060|
## **4 Charitable activities Current financial year**
|**Religious**
**activities**
**Kosher food**
**facility**
**Burial**
**provision**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Sale of goods
-
87,195
16,453
Membership contributions
48,745
-
11,180
Other income
5,000
-
-
53,745
87,195
27,633
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
53,745
87,195
27,633|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
103,648
59,925
5,000
168,573
168,573|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
89,642
64,443
9,885|
|---|---|---|
|||163,970|
|||163,970|
- 15 -
**UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **4 Charitable activities**
## **(Continued)**
## **Prior financial year**
|**Religious**
**activities**
**Kosher food**
**facility**
**Burial**
**provision**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Sale of goods
-
74,046
15,596
Membership contributions
52,563
-
11,880
Other income
9,885
-
-
62,448
74,046
27,476
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
62,448
74,046
27,476|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
89,642
64,443
9,885|
|---|---|
||163,970|
||163,970|
## **5 Trustees**
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
Key management are considered to be the President, Treasurer, Board of Trustees, and the Committee Members who do not receive any remuneration.
## **6 Employees**
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
|Religious staff
Kosher food facility staff
Governance staff
Total
**Employment costs**
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs|**2023**
**Number**
2
2
1
5
**2023**
**£**
63,510
2,518
2,091
68,119|**2022**
**Number**
2
2
1|
|---|---|---|
|||5|
|||**2022**
**£**
63,109
2,286
2,007|
|||67,402|
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
- 16 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **6 Employees**
## **(Continued)**
## **Remuneration of key management personnel**
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
|||**2023**|**2022**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|
||Aggregate compensation|-|-|
|**7**|**Investments**|||
|||**Unrestricted **|**Unrestricted**|
|||**funds**|**funds**|
|||**2023**|**2022**|
|||**£**|**£**|
||Interest receivable|5,198|2,268|
## **8 Other income**
||**Unrestricted **|**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**|
||**2023**|**2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Sale of vehicle|-|3,737|
|Other income|4,113|-|
||4,113|3,737|
## **9 Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
- 17 -
**UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **10 Charitable activities Current financial year**
|**Religious**
**activities**
**Kosher food**
**facility**
**Burial**
**provision**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Staff costs
49,732
18,387
-
Depreciation and impairment
8,442
34
-
Kosher food facility cost of sales
-
74,161
-
Kiddushim and hospitality
9,869
-
-
Property expenses
61,165
-
-
Janitorial expenses
31,242
580
-
Repairs and maintenance
21,243
-
-
Telephone
2,200
231
-
Postage and stationery
693
157
-
Burial committee
-
-
19,958
Rabbi accommodation and expenditure
11,031
-
-
Festival expenses
9,218
-
-
Motor expenses
4,546
30
-
Bookkeeping
4,440
-
-
Bank, credit card and interest charges
800
677
-
Legal and professional charges
2,989
-
-
Sundry expenses
1,103
-
-
Other charitable expenditure
6,274
-
-
224,987
94,257
19,958
Share of governance costs (see note 11)
4,400
650
-
229,387
94,907
19,958
**Analysis by fund**
Unrestricted funds
225,531
94,907
19,958
Restricted funds
3,856
-
-
229,387
94,907
19,958|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
68,119
8,476
74,161
9,869
61,165
31,822
21,243
2,431
850
19,958
11,031
9,218
4,576
4,440
1,477
2,989
1,103
6,274
339,202
5,050
344,252
340,396
3,856
344,252|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
67,402
8,195
62,921
10,476
58,069
28,139
11,168
2,114
1,346
14,515
47,010
9,138
7,996
4,320
1,497
7,810
7,671
13,000|
|---|---|---|
|||362,787
3,750|
|||366,537|
|||331,838
34,699|
|||366,537|
- 18 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **10 Charitable activities**
## **(Continued)**
## **Prior financial year**
|**Religious**
**activities**
**Kosher food**
**facility**
**Burial**
**provision**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Staff costs
50,993
16,409
-
Depreciation and impairment
8,195
-
-
Kosher food facility cost of sales
-
62,921
-
Kiddushim and hospitality
10,476
-
-
Property expenses
58,069
-
-
Janitorial expenses
27,539
600
-
Repairs and maintenance
10,718
450
-
Telephone
1,903
211
-
Postage and stationery
1,338
8
-
Burial committee
-
-
14,515
Rabbi accommodation and expenditure
47,010
-
-
Festival expenses
9,138
-
-
Motor expenses
7,736
260
-
Bookkeeping
4,320
-
-
Bank, credit card and interest charges
845
652
-
Legal and professional charges
7,810
-
-
Sundry expenses
7,671
-
-
Other charitable expenditure
13,000
-
-
266,761
81,511
14,515
Share of governance costs (see note 11)
3,100
650
-
269,861
82,161
14,515
**Analysis by fund**
Unrestricted funds
235,162
82,161
14,515
Restricted funds
34,699
-
-
269,861
82,161
14,515|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
67,402
8,195
62,921
10,476
58,069
28,139
11,168
2,114
1,346
14,515
47,010
9,138
7,996
4,320
1,497
7,810
7,671
13,000|
|---|---|
||362,787
3,750|
||366,537|
||331,838
34,699|
||366,537|
- 19 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**11**
**Support costs**
**Support**
**costs**
**Governance**
**costs**
**£**
**£**
Independent examiner's
fees
-
4,150
Accountancy
-
900
-
5,050
Analysed between
Charitable activities
-
5,050|**2023**
**Support**
**costs**
**Governance**
**costs**
**£**
**£**
**£**
4,150
-
2,850
900
-
900
5,050
-
3,750
5,050
-
3,750|**2022**
**£**
2,850
900|
|---|---|---|
|||3,750|
|||3,750|
Governance costs includes payments to the independent examiners of £4,150 (2022: £2,850) for independent examination fees and £900 (2022: £900) for non-examination fees.
## **12 Other**
|Financing costs|**Total Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2023**
**2022**
-
85
-
85|**Total Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2023**
**2022**
-
85
-
85|
|---|---|---|
|||85|
- 20 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**13**
**Tangible fixed assets**
**Cost**
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
**Depreciation and impairment**
At 1 January 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
Eliminated in respect of disposals
At 31 December 2023
**Carrying amount**
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
Freehold land and buildings
Land at Hazelrigg Cemetery
Extension at Hazelrigg Cemetery
**14**
**Debtors**
**Amounts falling due within one year:**
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
**15**
**Stocks**
Kosher food|**Freehold**
**land and**
**buildings**
**Property**
**improvements**
**Fixtures and**
**fittings**
**£**
**£**
**£**
195,168
734,933
101,614
-
269,848
18,011
-
-
(159)
195,168
1,004,781
119,466
-
-
93,326
-
-
2,727
-
-
(159)
-
-
95,894
195,168
1,004,781
23,572
195,168
734,933
8,288||**Motor**
**vehicles**
**£**
44,820
-
-
44,820
6,723
5,715
-
12,438
32,382
38,097
**2023**
**£**
36,908
140,332
177,240
**2023**
**£**
13,587
21,705
1,698
36,990
**2023**
**£**
4,413|**Total**
**£**
1,076,535
287,859
(159)
1,364,235
100,049
8,442
(159)
108,332
1,255,903
976,486
**2022**
**£**
36,908
140,332
177,240
**2022**
**£**
18,535
6,603
1,075
26,213
**2022**
**£**
5,326|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
||||||
- 21 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
|**Notes**
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
**20**
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals|**2023**
**£**
-
27,891
4,109
15,557
6,904
54,461|**2022**
**£**
735
25,091
9,127
13,023
13,457|
|---|---|---|
|||61,433|
## **17 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 January**|**Resources**|**At 31**|
|---|---|---|---|
||**2023**|**expended**|**December**|
||||**2023**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Bloom & Gordon scholarship fund|7,050|-|7,050|
|Sunderland Chevra Kadisha|9,957|(3,856)|6,101|
|Grave maintenance fund|21,190|-|21,190|
||38,197|(3,856)|34,341|
|**Previous year:**|**At 1 January**|**Resources**|**At 31**|
||**2022**|**expended**|**December**|
||||**2022**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Bloom & Gordon scholarship fund|7,050|-|7,050|
|Gertrude Pass bequest|34,699|(34,699)|-|
|Sunderland Chevra Kadisha|9,957|-|9,957|
|Grave maintenance fund|21,190|-|21,190|
||72,896|(34,699)|38,197|
## **Bloom & Gordon scholarship fund**
Expenditure from this fund represents awards made and books purchased. Total awards during the year amounted to £nil (2021: £nil). The fund is represented by investments and other current assets.
## **Gertrude Pass bequest**
This fund is to be used for the provision and maintenance of the kitchen and catering equipment.
## **Sunderland Chevra Kadisha**
Represents funds held to meet the cost of the up keep of Bishopwearmouth Cemetery.
- 22 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **17 Restricted funds**
## **(Continued)**
## **Grave maintenance fund**
Represents funds of £21,190 donated in 2013 for the specific purposes of maintaining the graves of family members.
## **18 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 funds
**Previous year:**
**At**
General funds|**1 January**
**2023**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**At 31**
**December**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,736,652
197,640
(340,396)
1,593,896
**1 January**
**2022**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**At 31**
**December**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,875,540
193,035
(331,923)
1,736,652|
|---|---|
## **19 Related party transactions**
## **Transactions with related parties**
During the year there has been no related party transactions (2021: £nil).
## **20 Deferred income**
|Arising from Burial provisions
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Current liabilities|**2023**
**£**
27,891
**2023**
**£**
27,891|**2022**
**£**
25,091|
|---|---|---|
|||**2022**
**£**
25,091|
- 23 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **21 Retirement benefit schemes**
## **Defined contribution schemes**
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.
The charge in the year in respect of defined contribution schemes was £2,007 (2022: £1,950).
These contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities. At the balances sheet date there were £172 (2022: £172) outstanding.
## **22 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|**Analysis of net assets between funds**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**2023**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
Fund balances at
31 December are
represented by:
Tangible assets
1,255,903
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
372,334
-
1,628,237
-|**Total Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**2023**
**2022**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,255,903
976,486
-
372,334
798,363
-
1,628,237
1,774,849
-|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
976,486
798,363|
|||1,774,849|
- 24 -
## **UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **23 Kosher Food Facility**
Kosher Food Facility was set up to provide kosher food to congregation members. The income and expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2023 relating to the Kosher Food Facility is detailed below:
|Sales income
Opening stock
Purchases
Closing stock
Gross profit
Administration expenses
Wages
Other expenses
Deficit on activities|**2023**
**£**
**£**
87,195
5,326
73,248
(4,413)
(74,161)
13,034
18,387
2,325
(20,712)
(7,678)|**2022**
**£**
**£**
74,046
9,197
59,050
(5,326)
(62,921)
11,125
16,271
2,831
(19,102)
(7,977)|
|---|---|---|
The net book value of fixed assets shown in note 13 includes £19,460 (2022: £13,194) relating to the establishment of the Kosher Food Facility. This was funded by the Gertrude Pass Fund.
- 25 -