Charity Registration No. 519321
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mr A Suthers Mr A Samuel Mrs S Suthers Mrs E Deakin
Charity number 519321 Independent examiner Azets 2 Regan Way Chetwynd Business Park Chilwell Nottingham United Kingdom NG9 6RZ
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 14 |
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.
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 1987 constitution, 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)
Objectives and activities
The object of the charity is to spread the gospel of Christianity as found in the Bible and as expounded in the Christian Science Textbook ‘Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures’ by Mary Baker Eddy.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
The year saw little change in terms of the number of services held at our Church but we eventually added a monthly Testimony Meeting in March 2024. The Reading Room continued to be open just two days per week from 11am to 1pm and we experienced a slight decline in visitors during the year.
It was decided to sell the Church premises owing to its size and a diminishing membership. We had decided not to look for a new tenant when Trent PTS didn’t renew their lease in May 2022 owing to the onset of major building works. Our immediate neighbour had made it known to us that if we were to sell we should contact them as they would be interested in buying. We did this and they made an offer which was accepted. The sale was well underway by March 2024 but the purchaser seemed to be procrastinating despite having given us a non-refundable deposit of £15,000 to ensure that we sold the building to them.
We had already set in motion a search for alternative premises.
Our decision to change from our status as a Church to a Society came to fruition in December 2023. This was done in compliance with the Mother Church Manual and would allow us to operate in a more flexible way, thus alleviating the pressure on existing members. New byelaws were being worked on as the year drew to a close and would be sent to the Mother Church and the Charity Commission in due course.
Remaining work funded by the Christian Science Trust in Great Britain, and the Westminster Fund, was completed during the year, the most important being the tanking of the cellar which was completed in June 2023. The main fuse board was moved from the basement to the ground floor foyer to facilitate the work in the basement. The front and rear elevations of the building were decorated and scaffolding removed when this had been completed.
A new website was commissioned in April 2023 but the work had been delayed until the outcome of the sale and possible new premises had been settled.
We have conducted regular Members’ Meetings and members were elected to continue in their roles of the previous year. Members continue to work together in a harmonious and democratic way. The desire to share Christian Science with our community remained undiminished.
Financial review
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month's expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Although the money invested in Cambridge and Counties Bank is increasing at an acceptable rate of interest, our balance at Mansfield Building Society has fallen considerably during the year. Expenditure is monitored at the regular business meetings but there have been inevitable increases in utilities for instance. The repair works to Church premises, although 75% funded by Christian Science Trusts, required Church input of 25% having a considerable effect on our financial resources. It is calculated that we would have sufficient funds to allow us to operate comfortably for the forseeable future but we are in the process of selling our Church premises having already received a non-refundable deposit of £15,000 from the purchaser who has offered £495,000 for the freehold. We expect completion by mid-2024. The sale of the Church premises completed in May 2024.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is controlled by its governing document - the Church Byelaws - a constitution adopted in 1987 and reviewed regularly.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr A Suthers Mr A Samuel Mrs S Suthers Mrs E Deakin
The method of recruitment - The board proposes a candidate and the members vote at a quarterly members meeting.
In December 2023 the Church converted to a Society which was recognised by the Mother Church and set about constructing new byelaws to be adhered to.
As a result of being recognized as a Society, more freedom has been granted, enabling us to hold two Sunday services per month and one Testimony meeting per month.
Although the Church was run autonomously, under the rules in the Mother Church Manual it no longer met the definition of a Church for the following reasons:-
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We no longer had a Christian Science Journal-listed Practitioner as a member.
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Reduced membership numbers no longer enabled us to support
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Services every Sunday of the month
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Testimony Meetings every Wednesday of the month.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mr A Samuel Trustee
13 December 2024
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Christian Science Society, Nottingham (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.
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
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) 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.
I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
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:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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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.
Nicola Bridgeman FCA for and on behalf of Azets 2 Regan Way Chetwynd Business Park Chilwell Nottingham NG9 6RZ United Kingdom
Dated: 31 December 2024
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Notes £ £ Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 764 31,951 Charitable activities 4 - 1,432 Investments 5 3,935 - Other income 6 - - Total income 4,699 33,383 Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 - 1,723 Charitable activities 8 36,384 31,951 Other 11 288 - Total expenditure 36,672 33,674 Net gains/(losses) on investments 12 - - Net outgoing resources before transfers (31,973) (291) Gross transfers between funds (77) 77 Net movement in funds (32,050) (214) Fund balances at 1 April 2023 186,873 2,433 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 154,823 2,219 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 32,715 621 42,762 1,432 - 1,784 3,935 6,379 - - 3,960 - 38,082 10,960 44,546 1,723 - 2,050 68,335 44,377 42,762 288 252 - 70,346 44,629 44,812 - (2,727) - (32,264) (36,396) (266) - (95) 95 (32,264) (36,491) (171) 189,306 223,364 2,604 157,042 186,873 2,433 |
Total 2023 £ 43,383 1,784 6,379 3,960 55,506 2,050 87,139 252 89,441 (2,727) (36,662) - (36,662) 225,968 189,306 |
|---|---|---|
| Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments 5 Other income 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Other 11 Total expenditure Net gains/(losses) on investments 12 Net outgoing resources before transfers Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Fund balances at 1 April 2023 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 Current assets Stocks 15 Debtors 16 Investments 17 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 18 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds |
2024 £ 1,896 - 118,962 4,789 125,647 (16,504) |
£ 47,899 109,143 157,042 2,219 154,823 157,042 |
2023 £ 2,043 59 135,047 6,677 143,826 (2,419) |
£ 47,899 141,407 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189,306 | ||||
| 2,433 186,873 |
||||
| 189,306 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 13 December 2024
Mr A Samuel Trustee
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The Christian Science Society, Nottingham is an unincorporated registered charity.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). 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 applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 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, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. 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.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors 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.
1.4 Income
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.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
1.5 Expenditure
Resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis.
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
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:
Equipment 20% on cost Fixtures and fittings 20% on cost Organ 20% on cost
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 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).
1.8 Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
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.
1.10 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.11 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
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.
3 Donations and legacies
| Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ Donations and gifts - 764 Trustbrit grant income 31,951 - 31,951 764 |
Total 2024 £ 764 31,951 32,715 |
Total 2023 £ 621 42,762 |
|---|---|---|
| 43,383 |
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 4 5 6 7 |
Charitable activities 2024 2023 £ £ Sales to church 842 1,330 Reading room sales 590 454 1,432 1,784 Investments Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2023 £ £ Rental income - 3,313 Interest receivable 3,935 3,066 3,935 6,379 Other income Total Unrestricted funds 2024 2023 £ £ Other income - 3,960 Raising funds 2024 2023 £ £ Fundraising and publicity Reading room costs 1,723 2,050 1,723 2,050 |
2023 £ 1,330 454 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,784 | ||
| 2023 £ 2,050 |
||
| 2,050 |
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
7 Raising funds
(Continued)
8 Charitable activities
| Clerk, administration and caretaker costs Water rates Light and heat Repairs renewals and maintenance Insurance Motor and travel costs Accountancy costs Other legal and professional Telephone Printing, postage and stationery Advertising Musician fees Readers allowance Librarian fees Reading room literature for church use Sundry expenses Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds For the year ended 31 March 2023 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
2024 £ 11,485 544 3,431 41,900 1,003 189 1,080 2,460 325 413 683 510 845 2,335 663 469 68,335 68,335 36,384 31,951 68,335 |
2023 £ 11,674 449 2,713 62,894 1,000 162 1,110 - 677 212 625 210 700 2,065 1,805 843 |
|---|---|---|
| 87,139 | ||
| 87,139 | ||
| 44,377 42,762 |
||
| 87,139 |
9 Trustees
Mr A Suthers received remuneration during the year amounting to £11,485 (2023 £11,674) for duties as clerk, administrator and caretaker.
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10 Employees
Number of employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | ||
| 1 | 1 | ||
| Employment costs | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Clerk/Administrator wages | 11,485 | 11,674 | |
| 11 | Other | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Other expenditure | 288 | 252 | |
| 12 | Net gains/(losses) on investments | ||
| **Total ** | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Revaluation of investments | - | (2,727) |
13 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 Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
14 Tangible fixed assets
| Freehold land and buildings Equipment Fixtures and fittings £ £ £ Cost At 1 April 2023 47,898 2,625 7,247 At 31 March 2024 47,898 2,625 7,247 Depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2023 - 2,625 7,247 At 31 March 2024 - 2,625 7,247 Carrying amount At 31 March 2024 47,898 - - At 31 March 2023 47,898 - - |
Organ Hymnals and Bibles £ £ 1,600 1 1,600 1 1,600 - 1,600 - - 1 - 1 |
Total £ 59,371 |
|---|---|---|
| 59,371 | ||
| 11,472 | ||
| 11,472 | ||
| 47,899 | ||
| 47,899 |
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 15 Stocks 2024 £ Finished goods and goods for resale 1,896 16 Debtors 2024 Amounts falling due within one year: £ Trade debtors - 17 Current asset investments 2024 £ Unlisted investments 118,962 18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 £ Trade creditors 15,101 Accruals and deferred income 1,403 16,504 19 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds £ £ Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by: Tangible assets 47,899 - Current assets/(liabilities) 106,924 2,219 154,823 2,219 |
2023 £ 2,043 |
|---|---|
| 2023 £ 59 |
|
| 2023 £ 135,047 |
|
| 2023 £ 907 1,512 |
|
| 2,419 | |
| Total £ 47,899 109,143 |
|
| 157,042 |
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THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, NOTTINGHAM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
20 Related party transactions
Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Aggregate compensation | 11,485 | 11,674 |
The above expenses have been paid to Mr A Suthers for his role as Clerk, Administrator & Caretaker.
21 Independant Exaimners Remuneration
During the year the fee paid to the independent examiner was £1,080 (2023- £1,100).
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