Charity registration number: 519123
LLANELLI FREE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
EasyBooks Wales Ltd Unit 4, Dragon 24 North Dock Llanelli SA15 2LF
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1—4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Comparative Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9—16 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts: | |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 17—18 |
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2024.
Objectives and Activities
Aims and Objectives
“To advance the Christian religion in the county of Dyfed and elsewhere in the United Kingdom and overseas.” (Following local government reorganisation on 1 April 1996, the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire replaced the county of Dyfed.)
Public Benefit
Public Benefit statement:
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and Performance
Main Achievements
Review of the year ended 5th April 2024
The Church seeks, through its range of activities aimed at all age groups, to reach out to the local community it serves in proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ. All activities continued as previously, meaning that we continued to offer online access to our Sunday services and some of our midweek meetings, enabling us to reach people around the UK as well as overseas.
The main ‘achievement’ of the church during the period 2023-2024 was the purchase of Llanelli police station, the culmination of many years searching for a new, more suitable home for our in-person activities. This took place early in 2024 and was soon followed by a week-long mission at the end of March 2024. These two events were reported in the Evangelical Movement of Wales magazine as follows:
LFEC’s Easter Mission
“Llanelli Free Evangelical Church held a series of outreach events during the run up to Easter.” Sounds straightforward enough, right? Well, actually no, because the truth is far more wonderful than that. I don’t have many words to spare so here’s the abbreviated version...
Some years ago (at least eight!) LFEC decided it needed to look for a new building. We had outgrown our existing one and were limited in what we could do there. So we searched, but nothing appropriate presented itself and, anyway, we didn’t have enough money to pay for it if it did. Then, in September 2023, our pastor was led to discover that Llanelli police station was up for sale. The church met to seek the Lord’s will ... and just three weeks later we had our ‘sealed bid’ accepted. A three-storey building on a 16,000 sq.ft. site was now ours, along with sufficient funds in the bank to pay for it. Lesson number one: God’s not short of money.
So God gave us a building, albeit one that needs development. But no time to stand still because, lesson number two, God’s not hung up on bricks and mortar, God wants people. Next, we hear that elsewhere in Wales plans have fallen through for a planned mission, so there’s now a team of trainee missionaries heading our way along with Slavko Hadzic and Andy Mayo. What an opportunity to reach out to a local community already intrigued by our recent purchase – but what a timescale! Something like six weeks to put together a programme AND let people hear about it. Heroically, our members got to work and, following an intensive leafleting campaign, some online planning sessions and some prayer meetings specifically on this issue, we were set.
...CONTINUED
Page 1
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
Main Achievements - continued
And what a week! Hosted by our friends at Ty Gwyn Apostolic Church (our current building’s too small, remember?), the week started with Slavko and Andy’s ‘Rhythm and Redemption’ evening on Friday 22nd March, before a Men’s Breakfast back at LFEC on Saturday morning. Then, after Slavko preached on Sunday morning, we again visited Ty Gwyn in the evening where Phil Swann interviewed Slavko about his life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC5TAI8zh88). Monday was an ‘invitation only’ curry evening held in a local restaurant, where Slavko was nearly left with the bill when he overran his allotted 15 minutes, before Tuesday, when the missionary team got to work with our own youth team running a three-day Holiday Bible Club.
And this is where things got serious. LFEC have run holiday clubs before, and we’ve been delighted when some children bring their friends and a few contacts are made. But this was something else – 54 children attending, some all three days, some just one or two. And then eight ‘non-church’ families attending the Family Fun Night that followed. A terrific response that not only encouraged but also excited everyone involved. Excited, because that many children meant our old building was full; full like it would have been if we’d had the two Ty Gwyn events there; full like the restaurant during the curry evening; full like it was for the men’s breakfast. So, while we’ve been entrusted with a new, bigger building, in sending this mission our way God’s also given us a glimpse of the people He’s equipping us to reach out to. Now THAT’S exciting!
Financial Review
Reserves Policy
The church seeks to maintain a cash reserve at all times which is equivalent to three months regular expenditure, thus to ensure we can always meet our commitments over the short term.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
Trust Deed (30 June 1987)
Trustee Selection Methods
Organisational Structure
All church work in its various aspects comes under the jurisdiction of the Pastor and Elders, who, together, are responsible for church order as well as spiritual guidance and oversight. Regular meetings are held with the Deacons, who are responsible for overseeing the administrative and practical affairs of the Church. The Pastor and Elders determine the advisability or otherwise of proceeding with any proposed activity or course of action before submitting their recommendations to the Church Members Meeting for consent. The Church Members Meeting consists of all current members of the church.
The Elders and Deacons meet approximately ten times a year. Church Members Meetings are held three times a year, one meeting (in Autumn) being designated as the AGM.
Appointment of Pastor
The Pastor is elected by the members of the church, requiring the approval of at least 80% of those who have cast a vote.
Election of Elders
The qualifications for the office of Elder as set out in the New Testament are read and expounded to the Church. The Pastor and Elders then recommend nominees to the church, based on the needs of the church at that time and identification of those duly qualified. Following prayerful consideration, a paper ballot is held amongst Church Members and those candidates receiving the votes of at least 70% of those who have voted are duly elected. Those elected are approached by the Pastor and Elders and invited to take up office.
...CONTINUED
Page 2
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
Trustee Selection Methods - continued
Election of Deacons
The Pastor and Elders recommend nominees to the church, based on the needs of the church at that time and identification of those duly qualified. A paper ballot is subsequently held and those receiving the votes of at least 70% of those who have voted are duly elected. Those elected are approached by the Pastor and Elders and are invited to accept the office.
Induction and Training of New Trustees
New trustees are provided with information on the roles and duties of trustees as published by the Charity Commission. A copy of the church’s Declaration of Trust is provided by the Church Administrator and guidance given on its contents. All trustees undergo safeguarding training relevant to their role in church life as provided by Christian Safeguarding Services.
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
Mr Matthew St John-Howard - Treasurer Mr James Hughes - Administrator Mr Matthew Williams Mr Matthew Jones Mr Matthew Thomas Rev David Lewis
Charity Number
519123
Principal Address
Queen Victoria Road Llanelli SA15 2TH
Independent Examiner
Nicola Lewis EasyBooks Wales Ltd Unit 4, Dragon 24 North Dock Llanelli SA15 2LF
Page 3
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Mr Matthew St John-Howard
Trustee 09/01/2026
Mr James Hughes
Trustee
Page 4
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Llanelli Free Evangelical Church For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Llanelli Free Evangelical Church (the Trust) for the year ended 5 April 2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and contents of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Nicola Lewis 09/01/2026 Unit 4, Dragon 24 North Dock Llanelli SA15 2LF
Page 5
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 4 Investments 5 EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities: 6 Operating the Charity NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 15 |
Unrestricted funds £ 110,266 725 |
Restricted funds £ 136,230 - |
2024 Total funds £ 246,496 725 |
2023 Total funds £ 72,621 87 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110,991 | 136,230 | 247,221 | 72,708 | |
| (56,857) | (1,219) | (58,076) | (75,308) | |
| 54,134 | 135,011 | 189,145 | (2,600) | |
| 54,134 198,843 |
135,011 31,415 |
189,145 230,258 |
(2,600) 232,858 |
|
| 252,977 | 166,426 | 419,403 | 230,258 |
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Comparative Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 4 Investments 5 EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities: 6 Operating the Charity NET EXPENDITURE NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 15 |
Unrestricted funds £ 70,790 87 |
Restricted funds £ 1,831 - |
2023 Total funds £ 72,621 87 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70,877 | 1,831 | 72,708 | |
| (73,587) | (1,721) | (75,308) | |
| (2,710) | 110 | (2,600) | |
| (2,710) 201,553 |
110 31,305 |
(2,600) 232,858 |
|
| 198,843 | 31,415 | 230,258 |
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Statement of Financial Position As At 5 April 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets 10 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 12 NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year 13 NET ASSETS FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 15 |
Unrestricted funds £ 148,530 |
Restricted funds £ 341,423 |
2024 Total funds £ 489,953 |
2023 Total funds £ 127,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 148,530 31,344 80,741 |
341,423 22,726 - |
489,953 54,070 80,741 |
127,000 46,261 59,840 |
|
| 112,085 (7,638) |
22,726 - |
134,811 (7,638) |
106,101 (2,843) |
|
| 104,447 | 22,726 | 127,173 | 103,258 | |
| 252,977 | 364,149 | 617,126 | 230,258 | |
| - | (197,723) | (197,723) | - | |
| 252,977 | 166,426 | 419,403 | 230,258 | |
| 166,426 252,977 |
31,415 198,843 |
|||
| 419,403 | 230,258 |
On behalf of the board
Mr Matthew St John-Howard Mr James Hughes
Trustee Trustee 09/01/2026
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
1. General Information
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 519123. The principal address is Queen Victoria Road, Llanelli, SA15 2TH.
2. Statement of Compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities Act 2011.
3. Accounting Policies
3.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The prior year comparatives have been restated from a Receipts and Payments basis.
The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
3.2. Incoming Resources
Recognition of incoming resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
-
the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
-
the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
-
the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Incoming resources with related expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Contractual income and performance related grants
This is only included in the SoFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.
Gifts in kind
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised.
Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity.
Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Donated services and facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
Volunteer help
...CONTINUED
Page 9
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
3.2. Incoming Resources - continued
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
Investment income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
3.3. Resources Expended
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
3.4. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Freehold Revaluation Fixtures & Fittings 25% on a Straight Line Basis Computer Equipment 25% on a Straight Line Basis
3.5. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
4. Income from Donations and Legacies
| Donations and gifts: Donations and gifts Gift aid Legacies Grants: Grants |
Unrestricted funds £ 101,101 9,165 - - |
Restricted funds £ 112,460 22,726 - 1,044 |
2024 Total funds £ 213,561 31,891 - 1,044 |
2023 Total funds £ 62,290 10,031 300 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110,266 | 136,230 | 246,496 | 72,621 |
5. Investment Income
Bank interest receivable
| 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total |
| funds | funds |
| £ | £ |
| 725 | 87 |
Page 10
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
- Analysis of Expenditure
| 6. | Analysis of Expenditure | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||
| Support | ||
| costs | ||
| (see note 7) | ||
| £ | ||
| Operating the Charity | 58,076 | |
| 2023 | ||
| Support | ||
| costs | ||
| (see note 7) | ||
| £ | ||
| Operating the Charity | 75,308 | |
| 7. | Support Costs | |
| 2024 | ||
| Operating | ||
| the Charity | ||
| £ | ||
| Employee costs: | ||
| Wages and salaries | 43,749 | |
| Professional Development & Books | 1,217 | |
| Premises expenses: | ||
| Light and heat | 4,907 | |
| Repairs and maintenance | 25 | |
| General administration: | ||
| Insurance | 1,590 | |
| Printing, postage and stationery | 496 | |
| Advertising and marketing costs | 549 | |
| Telecommunications and data costs | 146 | |
| Accountancy fees | 1,920 | |
| Professional fees | 5,730 | |
| Youth & Children's Work | 802 | |
| Warm Hub Costs | 1,044 | |
| Missionary support costs | (9,660) | |
| Subscriptions & Membership Fees | 1,062 | |
| Church Supplies | 2,202 | |
| Bank charges | 269 | |
| Gifts - Visiting Speakers | 1,000 | |
| Event Costs | 890 | |
| Pastoral Costs | 125 | |
| ...CONTINUED |
Page 11
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
| Depreciation: Depreciation Employee costs: Wages and salaries Professional Development & Books Premises expenses: Light and heat Repairs and maintenance General administration: Insurance Advertising and marketing costs Telecommunications and data costs Accountancy fees Daylight Sunday Club Youth & Children's Work Toddlers Outreach Expenses Missionary support costs Small Gifts Made Church Supplies Gifts - Visiting Speakers Event Costs |
13 |
|---|---|
| 58,076 | |
| 2023 Operating the Charity £ 43,853 1,020 2,963 588 701 388 660 480 13,320 434 449 44 523 2,023 679 4,713 802 1,668 |
|
| 75,308 |
A number of old uncleared cheques have been cancelled this year as they are no longer eligible to be presented. The values have been refunded against the relevant category that they were assigned to when spent in a previous year. This has caused some costs to show as negative in this year.
The breakdown is:
Mission £10,625 Small Gifts £200 Stationery & postage £1,210
Page 12
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
8. Staff Costs
Staff costs were as follows:
| Staff costs were as follows: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| as restated | ||
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 43,749 | 43,853 |
No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.
9. Average Number of Employees
Average number of employees during the year was: 1 (2023: 1)
10. Tangible Assets
Land & Property
| Cost As at 6 April 2023 Additions As at 5 April 2024 Depreciation As at 6 April 2023 Provided during the period As at 5 April 2024 Net Book Value As at 5 April 2024 As at 6 April 2023 1. Debtors Due within one year Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors |
Freehold £ 127,000 362,811 |
Fixtures & Fittings £ 3,992 155 |
Fixtures & Fittings £ 3,992 155 |
Computer Equipment £ 17,985 - |
Total £ 148,977 362,966 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 489,811 | 4,147 | 17,985 | 511,943 | ||
| - - |
3,992 13 |
17,985 - |
21,977 13 |
||
| - | 4,005 | 17,985 | 21,990 | ||
| 489,811 | 142 | - | 489,953 | ||
| 127,000 | - | - | 127,000 | ||
| 2024 £ 2,040 52,030 54,070 |
2023 as restated £ 701 45,560 |
||||
| 46,261 |
11. Debtors
Page 13
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
Other Debtors relates to Gift Aid Claims submitted after the year end date and are broken down as follows:
2024
21-22 £10,108 22-23 £10,031 23-24 £31,891
2023 (re-stated on Accruals Basis) 18-19 £7,150 19-20 £8,324 20-21 £9,947 21-22 £10,108 22-23 £10,031
12. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
| Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 13. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year Other loans 14. Loans |
2024 £ 648 3,952 3,038 7,638 2024 £ 197,723 |
2023 as restated £ - 2,363 480 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,843 | ||
| 2023 as restated £ - |
||
The loans are interest free and restricted to the purchase of the building. The repayment schdule will be agreed at a later date.
| later date. | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| as restated | ||
| £ | £ | |
| Amounts falling due between one and five years: | ||
| Other loans | 197,723 | - |
Page 14
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
15. Movement in Funds
| Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Restricted funds Building Fund Mission Heating Hub Total restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Restricted funds Ukraine Fund Building Fund Total restricted funds Total funds |
As at 6 April 2023 £ 198,843 31,415 - - |
Income £ 110,991 135,011 175 1,044 |
Expenditure £ (56,857) - (175) (1,044) |
As at 5 April 2024 £ 252,977 166,426 - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31,415 | 136,230 | (1,219) | 166,426 | |
| 230,258 | 247,221 | (58,076) | 419,403 | |
| As at 6 April 2022 £ 201,553 - 31,305 |
Income £ 70,877 1,721 110 |
Expenditure £ (73,587) (1,721) - |
As at 5 April 2023 £ 198,843 - 31,415 |
|
| 31,305 | 1,831 | (1,721) | 31,415 | |
| 232,858 | 72,708 | (75,308) | 230,258 |
16. Transactions with Trustees
None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year.
Expenses paid to trustees are detailed in the Related Party Note
| 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|
| £ | £ |
Page 15
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
17. Related Party Disclosures
Loans have been received from trustees in the year and are interest free. They are for the restricted purpose of the building purchase. Repayment terms will be set out at a later date.
Trustees have been reimbursed for charity expenses in the year as follows: David Lewis £ 108 James Hughes £1,568 Matthew Howard £ 100 Matthew Williams £2,300
Page 16
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Donations and gifts Gift aid Legacies Grants Investments Bank interest receivable EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable Activities: Operating the Charity Wages and salaries Professional Development & Books Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Insurance Printing, postage and stationery Advertising and marketing costs Telecommunications and data costs Accountancy fees Professional fees Daylight Sunday Club Youth & Children's Work Toddlers Outreach Expenses Warm Hub Costs Missionary support costs Small Gifts Made Subscriptions & Membership Fees Church Supplies Bank charges Gifts - Visiting Speakers Event Costs |
2024 Total funds £ 213,561 31,891 - 1,044 |
|---|---|
| 246,496 725 |
|
| 725 |
Page 17
Llanelli Free Evangelical Church Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (continued) For The Year Ended 5 April 2024
| Pastoral Costs Depreciation NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
(125) (13) |
- - |
|---|---|---|
| (58,076) | (75,308) | |
| (58,076) | (75,308) | |
| 189,145 | (2,600) |
Page 18