Charity registration number 519061 CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION LEGALAND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustsos Rev P Jump Mr A Edwards Mr U Russell MrA Lovelady Charlty numbor 519061 Prlnclpal addre8S Margaret ciitherow Contr8 Croxteth Drive Liverpool L17 1AA Ind8pendent examln8r Tony Stanley ACA Mitchell Charfesworth 14th Floor The Plaza 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9QJ Banker5 HSBC Bank PIC 99-101 Lord Street Liverpool L2 6PG Solicitors Hill Did(inson No. 1 St Paul's Square Live001 L3 9SJ
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Statemenl of trustees, responsibilities Independent examinerfs report Statement of financial activities Balance sheet 10 Notes to the financial statements
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Irustees present thoir annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements have bean prepared In acGordanc8 wllh the accounfjng pollcies set out in notè 1 to the flnanclal statements and comply with the Charity's constiiution, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities. Stalement of Recommended Practice applicabl& to charities preparing their accounts in accordanc8 With Ihe Financial Reporting Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). Tha flnancial statements have departed from the Charltles (Accounts and Reporis) Ragulatlons 2008 only to the extent r8quired to providg a tru8 and fair vlew. This departure has involved following Statement of Recommended Practice for Gharities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which Is ref6rred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn. Obj8ctlv8s and acilvltlos Th6 Charity's objects, under the guidance of the Holy Splrft, are: To draw the churches in membershlp of the Charity into a ller understanding of the Gospel To promote the vislble unlty and mission of the Church at 8v8ry1evel of Church lrfe as an effective instrument of God's purpose for the local and wlder community To encourage and enable the Churches to make decisions togetherwhere possible To give expression to the common faith. baptism and devotion of Christlans as Ihgy seek to apply the "Lund principle" . to do everything tog8ther, except that which in consclence must be done separately The trustees have paid due regard to guidanc8 issued by the Charity Commlssion In d8ciding what activltlas th8 charity should undertake for public benefit. Detalls of actlvities The bulk of CTMR'S activltles consist of co-ordinaling th@ life of the major Christian d8nominations In the are8 by means of.. astablishing and developing joint projects providlng opportunities for jolnt meeting8, Study sessions, conferences, forums, assemblies regular newsletters and mailings SAS'S activitles comprfse largaly the ralslng of funds for the provision of charltable support for asylum seekers and refugees in th8 area. by relieving povety and destitulion by contrlbuting to projects promotlng thelr wellbelng
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION TRUSTEES. REPORT {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Achlevements and performance The Central Work of CTMR Our core activity has continued supporting a range of formal and informal partnerships between Churches, encouraging local co-operative working across denominations and traditions, answering enquiries and requests from the Merseyside community, representing the work of CTMR at a regional and national level and liaising with the agency who co-ordinate Merseyside's Churches readiness in case of a major incident. Collaboration is at the heart of the work of CTMR. There is regular interaction with a range of Christian and interfaith bodies including.. Mission in the Economy, 'Together for thè Harvest,, Liverpool and District Free Church Federal Council, The Bishop of Liverpool Faith Leaders, Group and Faiths4Change as well as significant bodies working with refugees and asylum seekers who we support through CTMR SAS. Governan¢e Church Leaders metfour times durtng the yearto determine the overall strategyof CTMR, to maintain co- ordinaling oversight of its core activities and to share concerns and joys for their denominations with each other. The friendship in Iheir group continues to be heartfelt. The Management Council met three times as a smaller body of Trustees and they met twice face-to-face and once via zoom. They are appointed by the CTMR Church Leaders and use their operational skills to take ahead practical matters Goncerning CTMR and provide support to the Ecumenical Co-ordinalor. CTMR Denominational Officers Denominational Ecumenical Officers from Merseyside continue to meet three or four limes a year, sometimes face to face sometimes on zoom. They have begun to link up with Cheshire DEOS. They support and update each other which enables working together more closely. CTMR Forum durlng Week of Prayer for Christlan Unity The Church Leaders each invited a small group of colleagues involved in ecumenical work and around 40 people gathered for a programme centred around a shared lunch wilh space for conversations to start. working relationships to deepen and new ideas to spark. The programme included stories from.. Together Liverpool, the CTMR Social Justice Group. the Skelmersdale Ecumenical Centre, Hope wi81, Diaspora LEP'S, Gather UK. It was felt to be a useful, inspiring and insightful day. MP lunch and Civic Reception In March 2024, senior church leaders representing Churches Together in the Merseyside Region hosted a lunch for Members of Parliament in Liverpool City Region. A rich discussion took place about how to work together to meet the needs of the communities they serve and lo effect positive change. The event was attended by 5 MPS with 2 members of staff and senior leaders from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool and Diocese of Shrewsbury, the Independent Churches, the United Reformed Church, the Methodist Church and the Anglican Diocese of Chester. Unfortunately, Church Leaders wer& unable lo host their annual a civic reception in 2024. Liverpool Cologne Church Partnership Churches Together in the Merseyside Region {CTMRI are still reviewing the way forward forlhe Liverpool Cologne- Link group. The link between the Cathedral Choirs of the two cities is continuing and the exchange will continue in 2025. Ecumenical Collaboration The great common witness to Christians on Merseyside and beyond continues al all levels of Church, locally a5 well as regionally and some of the fruits of networking are creativity, resource sharing and discemment together, conversations beyond our denominational networks, identifying who we might talk to about which key issues.
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Support for Asylum Seekers ISAS) Financlal support to SAS partner agencles for the Destitutlon Projects was glven during 2024. The agencies hav8 contlnued to provide practical humanitarian and wellbeing support for people seeking asylum and refuge in the local community. Where possible acfjvlfjes and social interaction have been made available lo support their wellbeing and provide hope for the future. SAS main partner agencies include Asylum Link Merseyslde (ALMI, Faiths4Change and Mer8eyside Refugee Support Network (MRSN). Refugee Women Connect ended Ihelr delivery In January 2024. A blg thank you to Alison Moore for lialslng over this with CTMRISAS. Falths4Change SAS continued to support theirwork in two ways. They grew, harvested and donaled organlcvegelables and herbs from the St Michael's in the Clty Church 'Roots' Garden to the Micah foc(Ibank whlGh operates out of two central Liv8rpool churches on a we@kly basis. The foodbank predominantly supports adult and chIldn Asylum Seekers and Refugees. This year 73Yo of reclpients are Asylum Seekers {1230 households) and 4% R@fvgees (72 households}. Since 181 January 2024 they have donated 216kg of vegetables and herbs at a value of £2384.00. An average of 500g per household, 432 households have benefitted so far this year. They have parinered with Myerscough College in an exciting Ministry of Justlce programme wlth the RHS and HMP Walton. People in prison gain horticulture training. includlng raislng vegetable plug plants for community gardens. In June over 500 young plants from the prison courses were brought to the Rools Garden to grow on. These plants have provlded a fantastic bounty for the food bank. SAS funding enabled them to provlde indlvldual support to Asylum Seekers. Thgir long tlmo Asylum Seek8r volunteer gained leave to r8maln and is now settling into a flat, they cover their travel expenses to a communily garden 1¢h enablas them to enjoy sorial. physical and emotional wellbeing. A newly arrived Asylum Seeker has bean supported wlth a coat and boots, they had nelther. Asylum Llnk Merseyside IALMI From January 2024, ALM has had trj strap Itself In and get on wilh thlngs. Flnancially. they were not looking great Ihrough the Christmas p8riod in 2023, but th8y hav8 Sin rallied, through a lot of hard work and concentration, to get them where they need to be. The emplying out of the Asylum System continued apace, with the rush cause by th8 fast-track questionnaires, replaced by the new gov8rnments accelerated approach, with som8 receiving 8 declsion days after their interviews, Instead of months snd years. They did their Snowdon Fundraiser, produced a fllm for their Climbing Club and held even Refugee Week. but tha slory of the year was th8 Far-Rlght Threat, following th8 dreadful attack in Southport. A huge anti-fascist ¢rowd gathered lo protect ALM against th@ threat and with over 1000 paople packed into Overbury Stre8t. it was quite incredible to f8el the warmth and r8gard that people have for ALM. MRSN and the work that we do. Following on from that, Ihey've met with the Home Secretary. the Altorney General, the Head of the Charity Commission and the Head of th8 Lloyds Foundation, all of whom wanted to know how it h8d affected them and whal they intended to do. What the Far- Right didn't pect when they planned th@ir attack, was that thls would give ALM a platform to approach people at the heart of government or that their Story would travel to New York, Oslo, Singapore and other places. P80ple were Incredlbty supportive and thanks to SAS, CTMR and others, thay are still there, despite everything, to care forthos8 most in need In our communlty. Merseyside Refugee Support NebNork (MRSN Slnca August 2023 they saw the Impact of the Home Offic8 clearing thelr asylum backlog. When p08itlve decislons have been made °in bulk" this resulted In slgnificant levels of refiJge8 homelessness includlng street homelessness {rough sleeping) and sofa surfing. Most SAS funds have been used to help refugee clients in an emergency or other destitute situation overthe past year. Som8times they offer emergency funds forfoodl toi18tries when new refugees are destitute In the gap between leavlng Ihe asylum system on grant of leave to remain and the flrst payment for unlversal credit benefils or paying for a night or iwo in a bunk room hostel - when no other housing options are open to them. The homelessness situation is so bad It has also led them to buylng tents, mats and sleeFyng bags. It f8els like a last resort - but often It Is the only "solution" where a cllent Is not nSidered to be In "priority n88d wlth Gouncll housing s8Nices. A current home18ss case Involves a R8fug88 Famlly Reunlon cas8 - a famlly reunlted aft8r many years apart, a family who should have bean able to be joyfully reunil8d. Dad has slgnificant and enduring physlcal and mental health issues. His daughter, (also with h8alth issues) and wife joined him last summer and in Octob8r ihey are stlll battllng for them and trylng to get a housing declslon changed In order that thls famlly can be a family together und@r one roof.
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 They are only just coping, they are moving around daily sofa-surfing with different people in the local and regional diaspora communities or, on occasion, have no option but to sleep in a tent in the park or the local railway station. Our casework support continues, and they are working with them lo challenge the decisions by a local authority not to house them. The SAS fund allowed to give them emergency support when they were destitute and not in receipt of benefits. They will continue to pursue the case and seek legal housing advice going forward. The Pentecost Ecumenical Celebration The 2 Cathedral Pentecost Service was a family friendly event. The procession moved in groups along Hope Street. Those involved in the signature Another Place organisation did mini-playlels new Cathedrals . 1920s residents talking about the another acted as the stonemason building the Anglican Cathedral while another was a sixties hippy type who spoke of the music of Liverpool but also of the changes caused by Church Leaders working ecumenicallyl People watching this were intrigued and asked questions. Then al the other end there was music, giant skittles, giant building blocks to build your own Cathedral plus picnics inside and outside the Cathedral to also mark Liverpool Cathedral's 100th anniversary. Prayers and the blessing given by three of Churches Together in the Merseyside Region's Church Leaders Goncluded the event. CTMR Social Justice Group The CTMR Social Justice Group continue to meet regularly to help, identify and discern the work of Social Justice in the Merseyside Region. They share what is happening across the CTMR partner denominations and try to identify ways of working better logether 2025 - Celebrating Faith in the City. In 2024 the group mainly focused on facilitaling the appointment of CTMR'S new Faith in the City Anniversary Co- ordinator to mark the 40th anniversary of the 'Faith in the City, report. This is to show the social engagement of Churches. The new appointment was made in conjunction wilh Together Liverpool and with the invaluable support of Tani Omideyi, Senior Pastor Temple of Praise, Anfield at the requesl of the CTMR Church Leaders, group. The preparation involved a lol of hard work and perseverance. It was a privilege to see how well the group work together. Churches Together in the Northwest Safeguarding Group The ecumenical safeguarding group widened the range of the meeting to reflect the large area they cover belMeen them as it is well beyond the Merseyside region. To reflect this, they now call themselves 'Churches Together in the Northwest Safeguarding Group,. The Northwest Churches Safeguarding Lèads will meet again soon. CTMR Communlcations Officers CTMR Communications Officers liaised via email as matters arise. There are plans for CTMR to bring them together and explore mutual support and ways of working together. CTMR Website The website had 10,000 hits on average a month in 2024: wfyw.ctmr.o CTMR Young Adults, Group The young adults had a catch up on pancake night in February 2024 which was a joyful occasion. They continue to be supported by Taras and Veronica and keep in touch mostly via a WhatsApp group. Rebecca and Asish will be part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity event to be hosted by CTMR Church Leaders on 21 St January 2025 which will focus on young people. Asish will a150 be part of a group representing Merseyside on the CTE Forum in March 2025. A member of the group was awarded £608 to visit the World Council of Churches in Geneva and the Chemin Neuf community at Hautecombe Abbey in France. Sam wrote a diary about his unforgettable experience and it Gan be accessed here. An edited down version of his diary was published on the CTE website.
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Networklng acTOS8 Ihe North of England Northem County Ecumenical Offlcers contlnu8 th6ir tri-annual meetlngs for mutual support networking and 8xchange of ideas. There have ba8n some changes In the North6rn Ecumenical office team in 2024 and their autumn meeting took place in Llverpool where they were introduced to Misslon in the Economy {MitEI. a truly ecumenical endeavour on Merseyslde, Wirral Acllvltles Collaboratlon between the Wirral Falth Sector and Wirral's naw Wrral CVS Inltiatlve continue to grow. Havlng mapped over 100 fallh organlsation8 and coniacts across the borough through the successfvl CSnnamon Soclal Action audit, there is a commltment within the CVS delivery plan to: develop infrastructure support with the faith sector, help the falth sector r&c6ive arKI share information and develop links with community and voluntary organisatlons. develop a codeslgned forumlplan or mechanism supported by WCVS. The audit published in April dlscov@red th8t faith groups in WStTal play a crucial role in supporting local communitles. Thoy engage. in a wlde rang8 of social actlon activiti8s. including operatlng food banks, provldlng debt advice, and as5iStlng familias. Togelher, thesa faith groups delivered 609 activities lo 58,277 beneficlaries, rnad8 possible In part by the SUPPOrt and time contributed by a virtual army of 3,051 volunteers. The estimat&d financlal valu8 provided by the faith groups amounted lo over £8 million. Dlalogue betweon Falth Communitios Slnce 2018 th8 lead@rs of falth communiti8s across Merseyslde have mot togather twlce a year with Christian Igaders from the Cathollc, Anglican and Free Churches. Th8 meeting8 are Intended to promot8 inter religious dialogue and relationship but also serve as a plac8 where all faith communities can identify areas of common interest. and other agencles can come to consult with faith groups. After the Southport Incident in July 2024 riots followed the vigll. On 1$1 August 2024 in conjunction wlth Liverpool City Council, CTMR helped facilitate Llverpool's faith leadets lo come together to call for peace and unity. Here Is the Ilnk to the video that was published by Llverpcmjl Cty Councll. Churclies Together in Cheshlre We have been pleased to provide administrative support to Churches Togethar in Ch&shire over the lasl year as part of an informal, temporary trfal arrangement. Thls has not only worked well practically but has provided opportunities for overfap and networking that might not have otherwlse been possible. The trustees of both orgsnlsations hav@ commissioned furfther worf( to explore whether thls might become a pemianont arrang8ment, although the arrangement remalns tsmpor8ry at present. Financlal revlew Overall income for the year amounted to £62,469, a increase of £17,151 on the prevlous year. After deduction of expenditure of £68,821 net expenditure amounted to £6.352 a8 set out In the Statement of Fin8nclal Activities. Total unrestricled funds as at 31 December 2024 are £34,694.. Other Funds: Designated Fund (Note 16), Ihe Urban Fund exlsts to promol8 discusslon and research on urban issues. Restricted Fund (Note 15), Support for Asylum S88kers {SASI makes weekly grants of up to £25 to asylum seek8rs d8prived of statutory support. In case of persistent total deprivation these are now contlnued beyond th8 original 10 w86k limit. Reserves pollcy The unrestricled reserves are malntain8d to provide a financlal cushion In th8 8vent of any posslble shorffall in the incorne from the major danomlnational contrlbutors; redundancy paym8nts becomlng necessary.
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Grant maklng policy SAS makes weekly grants of up to £25 to asylum seekers deprived of statutory support. In case of persistent total deprivation, these are now continued beyond the original 10 week limit. Risk policy The trustees have assessed Ihe major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in pla to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Plans for the Future The continuing financial and regulatory pressures on voluntary and faith sector communities and charities will affecl our ongoing work. SAS grant income has fallen over the last few years and, as a reservoir of grant funding, CTMR will not be able to make grant funding available to "SAS organisations" in Ihe immediate future on the same level as past years. Looking fOard to the core work of Ihe Charity in bring the Failh communities together, we continue to explore how this can be best achieved in our region and with the neighbouring °ChurGhes Togetherf, organisations. During 2024 we offered administrative assistance to Churches Together in Cheshire, and this closer co-operation has enabled the regions, church leaders to focus on a more cohesive and integrated approach to the issues facing people in our area. Going Concern At the time of approving the accounts, the Trustees have a reasonable expeclation that the Charity has adequatè resources to Gonlinue in operational existence in the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopl the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts. Structure, goveTnance and management The Management Council of CTMR is the trustee body of the charily. The trustees who setved during the year were.. Rev P Jump Rev Dr S Anderson (Retired 1 August 2024) Rev G Felton {Appointed 1 August 2024) MrA Edwards Mr U Russell MrA Lovelady Organisation Churches Together in the Merseyside Region comprises churches and other bodies in Categories of full membership, associate membership, affiliated membership and allied membership, as determined by the constitution. General control and management of the administration of the charity is exercised by the Management Council, which has power to appoint groups lo act under its direction. Support forAsylum Seekers ISAS) is an agency of CTMR set up to support asylum seekers. It became part of MARCEA {subsequently CTMRI on 1 January 2001. The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordanGe with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards {United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Th8 trustaes, report was approv8d by the Board of Trustees. Rev P Jump Chair of ManagerDent Council
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The trustges are responsible for preparing the Tnjstees, Report and the financial statem8nts in accordance wlth applicabl& law and United Klngdom Accounting Standards {Unit8d Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practlce). The law appllcable to charities in England and Wales requires the tnjstees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which glve a true and fair vlew of the state of affalrs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charlly for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select sultable accountlng policles and th8n apply them consistendy, observe the methods and principl8s in the Charlties SORP., make judgem6nts and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether appli¢able accounting standards have been followed, Subject to any material departures disclosed and explalned In the financial statements., and prepare the financial statements on the going concem basls unl8ss it is Inappropriat8 to presume that the charfty will contlnue In operation. The truste8s are responsibl8 for ke8ping sufficient accounting records that disclose wlth reasonab18 accuracy at any tim8 the financial position of the Charlty and enable them to ensure thal th6 financial statements coMFY wlth the Charities Act 2011, the Charty (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provlsions of thg trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the 85sets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the pr8v8ntion and detectlon of fraud and olher [egularl118S.
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Churches Togelher in the Merseyside Region (the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024. This report is made solely to the charity's truslees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Acl 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might slate to the Gharity's trustees those matters l am required to stale to them in an Independent Examinels report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do nol accept or assume responsibility to anyone other Ihan the charity and the charity's trustees a5 a body, for my examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed. 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. I report in respect of my examination of the Charity'5 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 145151{b) of the Charities Act 2011. Independent examiner's statement Your attention is drawn lo the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. 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: accounting records were not kept in respecl of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Ac12011. the financial slatements do not accord with those records., or the financial stalemenls do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other Ihan any requirement that the financial statements 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. Tony Stanley Mitchell Charlesworth 14th Floor The Plaza 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9QJ
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unrèstricted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestrlcted Restrlct8d funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Notes Incom8 from: Donatlons and legades Charitable activities Investments 30.191 31,729 61.920 30,191 14,703 44,894 435 114 549 347 77 424 Total Income 30,626 31,843 62,469 30,538 14,780 45,318 enditure on: Charitable activities 33,877 34,944 68,821 31,369 19,644 51,013 Net lexponditur8yincome for the yearl Net movement In funds (3.251) (3,101) 16,352) (831) (4,864) (5,695) Fund balances al 1 Janu8ry 2024 37.945 34,444 72,389 38,776 39,308 78,084 Fund balanc88 at 31 December 2024 34,694 31,343 6.037 37,945 34,444 72,389 The statement of financlal 8Ctivities includes 811 gains and losses recognised in the year. All Income and exp@nditure d8rive from continuing activities.
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION BALANCE SHEET AS A T 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 687 67,755 575 74,747 68,442 75,322 Creditors- amounts falling due within one year 14 12,405) 12,933) Nel current assets 66,037 72,389 Income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds General unrestricted funds 15 31.343 34,444 16 5,963 28,731 5,849 32,096 34,694 37,945 66,037 72,389 The financial statements were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on 22 September 2025 and are signed on its behalf by: Rev P Jump Chair of Management Council 10
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Accounllng pollcles Charlly Informatlon Churches Together in the Merseyside Region is a registered charity govemed by its constitution. The principal address is the Margaret Clitherow Centre, Croxteth Drive, Sefton Park, Llverpool. 1.1 Accountlng convantion The financlal statements hav8 b86n prepared In accordance with the Charlty's constitutlon, the Charities Act 2011. FRS 102 "The Financlal 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 applicabl8 to charities preparing th6ir accounls in accordance with the Flnancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102). (effectlve 1 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as deflned by FRS 102. The flnanclal statements hav8 departed from the Charities {Accounts and Raports} Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and falr view. This departur8 has involved following the Statement of Recornmended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the VelOn of the Statsment of Recornmended Pr8CtIC8 which is referred to In the Regulations bul whlch has since been withdrawn. The accounts are prepared In sterllng. which is th8 functional curréncy of the charlty. Monetary amounts In thesg flnancial statements are rounded to th8 n8arest £. The accounts have been prepared on the historical cost convention. The principal accountlng policies adopted are set out below. The Charfty has taken advantage of Ihe provisions in the SORP for Charities 8pplylng FRS 102 Uate Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. 1.2 Going concern At the tirne of approving the finan(xal statements, the trustees h8ve a reasonable expectstlon that th8 Charity has adequata resources to continue In operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the trustees contlnue to adopt the golng concern basls of accounting in preparing th6 financial statements. 1.3 Chariiable funds Unrestricled funds represent the funds of CTMR th8l are not subjecl to any restrictlons regarding their use and are available for appllcatlon on the general charltable purposes of CTMR. Designatod funds are funds set aslde by the Irustees for a particular purpose and are also unr8stricted. Restrlcted fijnds ar9 fvnds whlch are to be u88d in accordance wlth specific restrictions Imposed by donors, or which have be8n raised by the charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out In the notes to the financial slatemenls. 11
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Accountlng policies (Continued) 1.4 Income Contributions from the member Churches are accounted for in the year in which they are due. Donations from other bodies and Councils of Christian Churches are accounted for as received. 1.5 Expenditure Expenditure is recognised once there is a18gal 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. It includes irrecoverable VAT. 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 cosls which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable lo 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. The accounts include Iransactions, assets and liabilities for which CTMR is responsible in law. The Accounts of SAS and Urban are included. Expenditure on equipment or other fixed assets is not capitalised bul is charged to revenue as incurred if not material. 1.6 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. 1.7 Financial instruments The Charity has elecled to apply the provisions of Seclion 11 'Basic Financial Instruments. and Section 12 '0ther FinanGial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised when the Charity becomes paty to the Gonlractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assels are offset, with the net amounts presented in the accounts when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised arnounts and there is an intention to settle on a nel basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaclion 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. 12-
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Accountlng pollcles (Contlnued) Baslc financlal Ilabllltles Basic financlal liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognlsed at transaGtion price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments dlscounted at a Ma@t rale of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently canied at amortised GYJSC uslng the effective Interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligatlons to pay for goods or seNlces that have been acquired in Ihe ordinary course of operations from supplie. Amounls payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not. they ar8 presented as non-current liablltties. Trade creditors are recognis8d SniallY at transaction prlce and subsequently measured at amortised cost using Ihe effectlve interest method. Dere¢ognition of flnancial liabilities Financlal liabllities are derecognised when the CharItS contractual obligations expire or are discharg8d or cancelled. 1.8 Employee beneflts The cost of any unus6d hollday entitlement 18 recognised in the p8riod in [ch the 8rnployee's servi(*s are received. Temiination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of 8n employee or to provide temilnation benefits. 13
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Accountlng policies (Continued) 1.9 Retlremenl beneflts Churches Together in the Merseyside Region participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section of CWPF for lay staff. CWPF is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the CWPF assets separately from those of the Employer and other pariicipating employers. CWPF has two sections". the Defined Benefits Scheme the Pension Builder Scheme, which has two subsections., a deferred annuity section known as Pension Builder Classic, and. a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014. Pension Builder Scheme Both sections of the Pension Builder Scheme are classed as defined benefit schemes. Pension Builder Classic provides a pension, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms sel and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time lo time. Discretionary increases may also be added, depending on investment return5 and other factors. Pension Builder 2014 is a cash balance scheme that provides a lump sum which members use to provide benefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. Discretionary bonuses may be added before retirement, depending on investment returns and other factors. The account, plus any bonuses declared is payable, unreduced, from age 65. There is no sub-division of assels between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme. The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Pension Builder Scheme's assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the SOFA in the year are the conlributions payable {2024.' £1,924, 2023: £1,471 }. A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent valuation was carried out as al 31 December 2022. For the Pension Builder Classic section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £34.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review effective 1 January 2025, the Board chose to grant a discrelionary bonus of 6.70/0 to both pensions not yet in payment and pensions in payment in respect of service prior to April 1997,. and a bonus on pensions in payment in respect of post April 2006 service so that the ponsion increase was 2.70/. {where usually it would be calculated based on inflation up to 2.5 % }. This followed improvements in the funding position over 2024. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. The noxt valuation is due as at 31 December 2025. For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £8.5m on Ihe ongoing assumptions used. There is no requiremant for deficit payments al the current time. The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, Churches Together in the Mefseyside Region could become responsible for paying a share of the failed employer's pension liabilities. Taxation The charity benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions. The charity is unable to recovervalue Added Tax. Expenditure is recorded in the accounts inclusive of VAT. 14-
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEA4BER 2024 CrStical accountlng estlmates and judgements In th8 appllcatlon of th8 Charltls accounting pollcles, the trustees are requlred to make Judgemants, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabillties that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are consldered to be r61evant. Actual results may differ from th8s6 estimates. The estlmates and underlying assumptlons ar8 revlewed on an ongoing basls. Revlsions to accountlng 8stimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised wh8re the revlsion affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and fulurg Periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. There are no critical accounting estimates in the accounts. 15-
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Donations and legacies Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023 Donations and gifts Grants receivable 30,191 21,729 10.000 51,920 10,000 30,191 4,703 10,000 34,894 10,000 30,191 31,729 61,920 30,191 14,703 44,894 Donations and gifts Contributions from member churches SAS donations Other 30,191 30,191 3,670 18,059 30,191 3,670 18,059 30,191 4,455 248 4,455 248 30,191 21,729 51,920 30,191 4.703 34,894 Grants receivable for core activities Other 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 Included in the current year Donations and gifts is a receipt from the Estate of Ita McDonnell £18,059. The Grants Receivable Restricted Funds amount of £10,000 was a grant to SAS of £10,000 from the John Moores Foundation. Charitable activlties 2024 2023 Other income 16
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Charitable actlvltles The The relief of encouragem poverty and ent and destitution support of Christian Churches Total 2024 Total 2023 Staff costs Programme costs Office expenses Travel expenses 21,619 822 6,925 1,213 21,619 822 6,925 1,213 19,854 821 6,020 929 30,579 30,579 27,624 Grant funding of activities (see note 71 34,880 34,880 19,584 Share of support costs (see note 8) Share of governance costs (see note 8) 1,562 1,800 1,562 1,800 1,411 2,394 33,941 34,880 68.821 51,013 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 33,877 33,877 34.944 34.880 33,941 34,880 68,821 18
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Charltablo actlvilies (Continued) For the year anded 31 December 2023 The The rell8f of encouragem poverty and ant and destltution support of Christian Churchès Total 2023 staff costs Programme costs Office 8XP8nses Travg18xpenses 19,854 821 6,020 929 19,854 821 6,020 929 27.624 27,624 Grant funding of aGtivltles (see nola 71 19.584 19,584 Share of SUPPMJrt costs (see note 8) Share of governance costs (see note 8) 1.411 2,394 1,411 2,394 31,429 19,584 51,013 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 31,369 60 31,369 19,644 19,584 31,429 19,584 51,013 Grants payable The rgllof of poverty and destitution 2023 Total 34,880 19,584
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Support costs Support Governance costs costs 2024Support Gosts Govemance costs 2023 Staff costs Travel costs Office costs 1,137 64 361 1,137 64 361 1,045 49 317 1,045 49 317 Accountancy fees Independent examination fees 838 838 1,800 1800 1,556 1,556 1,562 1,800 3,362 1,411 2.394 3.805 Analysed belween Charitable activities 1,562 1,800 3,362 1,411 2,394 3,805 Support costs have been recharged to the encouragement and support of Christian Churches estimated on the basis of time spent. Governance costs have been recharged to the encouragement and support of Christian Churches activity. Governance costs includes payments to the accountants of £0 {2023.- £8381 for accountancy seNices and £1,800 (2023- £1,556 for independent examination fees. Trustees The trustees. who servod for various periods of the year. received no remuneration or expenses for services provided to the charily12023'. nil). 10 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. -20-
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 11 Employe98 Number of omployees The av6rage monthly number of employees during the yearwas.. 2024 Number 2023 Number Charitabl8 Employment costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Ott)er pension costs 20,833 1,924 19,428 1,471 22,757 20,899 Thgre w6re no employees whos8 annual remuneration was £60,000 or more. 12 Financlal Instruments 2024 2023 Carrying amount of Ilnancial assets Debt instruments measured at amortised cosl 67,755 74,747 Carrylng amount of financial liabiliti88 Measur8d al amortised cost 2,405 2,998 13 Debtors 2024 2023 Amounts falllng due wllhln one yoar. Prepayments and accru8d income 575 14 Creditors: amounts falllng dua wlthln one yoar 2024 2023 Other laxatlon and social s8curlty Other cr6ditor8 Accruals and deferred income 605 {65) 639 2,359 1,800 2,405 2,933 -21
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE MERSEYSIDE REGION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 15 Restricted funds The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes.. Movement in funds Income Expendlturo Movement in funds Income Exp¢ndlture Balance at 31 December 2023 Balance at 1 January 2023 Balance at 1 January 2024 Support for Asylum Seekers 39,308 14,780 (19.6441 34,444 31,843 {34,9441 31,343 Support for Asylum Seekers (SAS) makes weekly grants of up to £25 to asylum seekers deprived of stalutory support. In case of persistent total deprivation these are now continued beyond the original 10-week limit. 16 Designated funds The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.. Movement in funds Incorne Movement in funds In¢ome Balanc• at 1 January 2023 Balance at 1 January 2024 Balance at 31 Decambèr 2024 Urban fund 5,760 89 5,849 114 5,963 5,760 89 5,849 114 5,963 The Urban Fund exists to promote the discussion and searCh on urban issues. 17 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Reslricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestricted RestriGted funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are represented by.. Current assetsl{liabilitiesl 34,694 31,343 66,037 37,945 34,444 72,389 34,694 31.343 66,037 37,945 34,444 72,389 18 Related party transactions There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none). 22-