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2024-12-31-accounts

Fitzroy Presbyterian Church a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC104519

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 including a Balance Sheet as at that date.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Fitzroy congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HL

Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104519)

CHARITY TRUSTEES

The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were:

Mrs Flo Adair (1) Mr Christopher Blake Mrs Patricia Blake Mr Paul Bowman Mrs Heather Carey Prof Patricia Eaton Mr Michael Fitch (1) Mrs Elma Greer Miss June Pat Gamble (1) (2) Mr David Hall

Mr Philip Mateer (1) (2) Dr Stephen McIlwaine (1) Mr Norman McKinley Dr David McNeill Mrs Anne McMurray Mrs Sara Patterson Dr Ivor Spence (1) Rev Steve Stockman Mr David Thompson

  1. Property Trustees for 119 Fitzroy Avenue 2. Property Trustees for Fitzroy Church (Other Trustees are Chris Morris and Neill Scott)

PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS

Minister Clerk of Session Deputy Clerk of Session Congregational Secretary Treasurer

Rev Steve Stockman Prof Patricia Eaton Mrs Anne McMurray Mrs Helen Miller Mrs Flo Adair

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Scott McCullough FCA Suite 2.06 Custom House Custom House Square Belfast BT1 3ET

BANKERS

Danske Bank Donegall Square West Belfast BT1 6JS

STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT

The Kirk Session

The charity trustees (“Trustees”) of the congregation are the members of its Kirk Session. Under the congregation’s governing document, The Code, the book of the constitution and government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeks to watch over and promote the spiritual interest of the congregation and of persons not connected with any congregation who are within its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community. The Kirk Sessions has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee.

The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregations. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that the Moderator, the ministers in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote.

Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held at least twice a year. During 2024 Kirk Session met 9 times.

To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant on its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the office can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. During the year no new elders were elected.

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)

Presbytery

Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Fitzroy Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Belfast South Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation.

The General Assembly

The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, administration and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted during the first week in June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of business, it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation.

DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE

Fitzroy Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wider body of Christ is grounded in the Scriptures and exists to love and honour God through faith in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God’s mission to our world.

The congregations mission statement is: Fitzroy exists: to celebrate God's goodness in our worship [Worship] and to express God's love through our lives by introducing people to Jesus Christ [Mission], integrating them into His Church [Pastoral Care] , educating them in a Christ-like lifestyle [Spiritual Formation] , and enabling them to participate in Christ's mission today [Mission] .

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)

Kirk Session has four 10:10 Groups (sub committees): Worship and Prayer, Pastoral Care, Spiritual Formation and Mission.

The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God’s people by being:

A Covenant Community: where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward Him and toward one another.

An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ.

An Outward Looking Community: where we want the blessings of God that belong to us in the gospel to become blessings for others beyond the bounds of our community.

As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, along with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of Christian faith and practice.

ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES

The congregation has four core purposes: Worship and Prayer, Pastoral Care, Spiritual Formation and Mission and our strap line is based on the words of Jesus in John 10:10: “I have come that you have life in all its fullness.”

The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on at least 10 occasions during the year and all those who have been baptised and who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted to the Lord’s Supper.

The congregation has a number of small groups and a wide range of organisations and activities not only for the benefit of the congregation but the wider community: in the local area, Belfast and beyond. Further information is available on our web site: www.fitzroy.org.uk.

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)

Our mission is multifaceted and includes witness, service, justice, healing, reconciliation, liberation, peace, evangelism, fellowship, contextualisation and much more. We have identified seven ways in which we express our mission in Fitzroy:

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Worship and prayer

The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11am and on many Sundays for an event at 7pm. During the week the small groups provide an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the Bible and for a time of prayer.

As well as our regular services during the year we gave thanks for faithful service and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved.

At 31 December 2024 there were 274 (2023:310) communicant members and 179 (2023:185) families, 396 people (2023:422) under pastoral care of the Congregation. During the year no one was baptised or admitted to the Lord’s Table. The average weekly attendance at Sunday morning worship was 190 in person and 200-300 online.

Pastoral care

Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are visited on a regular basis by the minister, elders or by one of the congregation’s pastoral visitors.

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)

Spiritual Formation

A programme of events was organised during the year to help members of the congregation and others grow deeper in their faith. A focus on the marginalised and a week of prayer in the church before Easter were of particular note.

Mission and outreach

At local, national and international levels, Fitzroy members continue to be involved in a wide range of groups, organisations and programs extending Christ’s Kingdom. The elders provide support to all mission and outreach group leaders, helping to promote their work and providing a spokesperson for each group on Kirk Session.

United Appeal

The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregations to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on denominational basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mission personnel at home and overseas, assists congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assist with the running costs of Union Theological College, the Church’s training college for ministry students, and financially supports congregation in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care.

Presbytery

The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregation and the wider structures of the church. We are grateful to Norman McKinley for serving us on Presbytery.

General Assembly

The minister and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June.

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)

Property

We own 119 Fitzroy Avenue, Fitzroy Church and Halls, a Manse in Maryville Park, Belfast and the former School of Music property on Donegall Pass Belfast.

Volunteers and Employees

The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organisations and other church activities.

PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its members and the general public by making known the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion.

The direct benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gaining of an understanding in Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible and in the Church’s subordinate standards (the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) leading to spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to practical expressions of Christian beliefs and standards in the local community such as through the care of those in need (including the sick, disabled and bereaved).

Generally, the above benefits are delivered locally by congregations and their members or are facilitated through presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated by central resources in almost all cases. Public access is made known through the use of noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways.

The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the public.

The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose is related to Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of their holding office or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, their families, other individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in direct and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral services are provided and other communities throughout Northern Ireland, the

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)

Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefit from our engagement with and support for both Christian and other secular organisations, charities and individual members of the public.

The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions public benefit requirement statutory guidance.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The congregation’s main source of income is members’ contributions. There were 151 (2023:158) contributing families during the year donating a total of £270,177 (2023: £284,049).

Total expenditure decreased from £385,258 to £290,164 as significant church repairs and upgrades took place in 2023.

RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the congregations and the financial activities for that year. In preparing the financial statements the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the congregations and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities (1 January 2020)”. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)

GOING CONCERN

The activities of the congregation are dependent on ongoing contributions from its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregation has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these financial statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year from the date of signing this report and subject to the continuing support from members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation’s current activities and other financial commitments.

RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least 12 month’s normal expenditure. At the year-end unrestricted reserves were £302,708 which represents 12 month’s normal expenditure.

RISK REVIEW

A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The principal risks are in relation to the likelihood of reputational damage and financial risks associated with the expectation of ongoing financial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the various activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging members in their regular giving.

Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 11 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Patricia Eaton 11 April 2025

Steve Stockman 11 April 2025

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Fitzroy Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 13 to 25.

This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 65(3)(a) of the Charities Act Northern Ireland 2008 and regulations made under section 66 of that Act. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner

As the charity's Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

I have examined your charity financial statements as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.

My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as charity Trustees concerning any such matters.

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Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination and no matter has come to my attention, which gives me cause to believe:

Signed:

Dated: 11 April 2025

Scott McCullough

FCA Chartered Accountants Ireland

Suite 2.06 Custom House Custom House Square Belfast BT1 3ET

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Investments
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
Total
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net Income / (expenditure)
before gains
Net movement in funds
Total funds at 1 January 2024
Total funds at 31 December 2024
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
£
£
£
£
£
151,196
118,981
-
270,177
280,049
7,526
14,859
-
22,385
36,447
4,510
-
-
4,510
3,589
163,232
133,841
-
297,073
320,445
113,925
176,239
-
290,164
385,258
113,925
176,239
-
290,164
385,258
49,307
(42,398)
-
6,909
(61,173)
6,736
-
-
6,736
11,823
56,043
(42,398)
-
13,645
(49,350)
246,684
1,508,664
9,837
1,765,185
1,814,535
302,728
1,466,266
9,837
1,778,831
1,765,185

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BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2024

Note 2024 2024 2023 2023
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets:
Investments – general investment 6 149,200 142,465
fund
Church Buildings, 119 & Manse 7 1,445,641 1,466,876
Current assets
Debtors 8 12,704 7,000
Cash at bank and in hand 175,624 153,184
188,328 160,184
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year 9 (4,338) (4,340)
Net current assets 183,990 155,844
Total assets less current liabilities 1,778,831 1,765,185
Total assets 1,778,831 1,765,185
Charity Funds
Endowment Funds 10 9,837 9,837
Restricted Funds 10,11 1,466,266 1,508,664
Unrestricted Funds 10 302,728 246,684
1,778,831 1,765,186

Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 11 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Patricia Eaton Steve Stockman 11[th] April 2025 11[th] April 2025

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

for the year ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2020).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the congregation is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

FUND ACCOUNTING

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the congregation’s discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place.

Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific congregational activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis.

Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the congregation’s general purposes. Designated funds are general funds set aside by the congregation for use in the future.

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

INCOMING RESOURCES

(i) Recognition of incoming resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

(ii) Incoming resources with related expenditure

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.

(iii) Grants and donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the congregation has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

(iv) 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.

(v) Volunteer help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.

(vi) Investment income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

(vii) Investment gains and losses

This includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

(viii) Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the congregation to pay out resources.

(ix) Grants with performance conditions

Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SoFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.

ASSETS

(x) Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets for use by charity are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.

Depreciation is recorded on all tangible fixed assets other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write of the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:

Buildings: - over 50 years

(xi) Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees’ best estimate of market value.

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) for the year ended 31 December 2024

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 151,196 118,981 270,177 281,549
Legacies and bequests - - - 2,500
Total Donations and Legacies 151,196 118,981 270,177 284,049
.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Grants - 13,119 27,863 27,863
Other sundry income 7,526 1,740 8,584 8,584
Total Charitable Activities 7,526 14,859 22,385 36,447

3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) for the year ended 31 December 2024

4. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted Funds Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
£ £ £ £
General Assembly Assessments 20,719 - 20,719 19,870
Presbytery fees 956 - 956 857
United Appeal - 12,000 12,000 12,000
Ministry (excluding pension) 58,526 - 58,526 56,196
Support Costs 28,764 - 28,764 27,803
Worship 4,961 - 4,961 1,600
Youth and Pastoral - 16,967 16,967 12,443
Property: Depreciation - 21,235 21,235 21,235
Property: Expenditure - 107,721 107,721 206,837
Mission & Charities - 18,325 18,325 26,416
113,925 176,239 290,164 385,258

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) for the year ended 31 December 2024

5. EMPLOYEES

Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Wages and Salaries 59,476 57,159
Social Security Costs 5,745 6,070
Pension contributions 11,564 10,764
76,784 73,993

Number of Employees and Minister

The average number of employees, including the minister of the congregation, during the year was:

Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023
Minister 1 1
Secretarial 1 1
2 2

There were no employees in receipt of employee benefits in excess of £60,000.

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) for the year ended 31 December 2024

6. INVESTMENTS

2024 2023
£ £
General Investment Fund
Value at start of year 142,465 130,642
Additions - -
Gains on revaluation 6,736 11,823
Value at end of year 149,201 142,465
7.
FIXED ASSETS
Church Buildings, 119 & Manse Total
£ £
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024 1,636,756 1,636,756
Additions - -
At 31 December 2024 1,636,756 1,636,756
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024 169,880 169,880
Charge for year 21,235 21,235
At 31 December 2024 191,115 191,115
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2024 1,445,641 1,445,641

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) for the year ended 31 December 2024

8. DEBTORS
2024 2023
£ £
Gift Aid Recoverable 12,704 7,000
Total Debtors 12,704 7,000
9. CREDITORS: amount falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Accruals and Deferred Income 4,338 4,340
Total Creditors 4,338 4,340

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) for the year ended 31 December 2024

10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Current Year
Tangible assets
Church Buildings & Manse
Debtors
Bank and Cash in Hand
Creditors falling due within 1 yr
Prior Year
Tangible assets
Church Buildings & Manse
Debtors
Bank and Cash in Hand
Creditors falling due within 1 yr
Endowment
Funds 2024
Restricted
Funds 2024
Unrestricted
Funds 2024
Total Funds
2024
£
£
£
£
9,837
-
139,363
149,200
-
1,445,641
-
1,455,641
-
-
12,704
12,704
-
20,625
154,998
175,624
-
-
(4,338)
(4,338)
9,837
1,466,266
302,728
1,778,831
Endowment
Funds 2023
Restricted
Funds 2023
Unrestricted
Funds 2023
Total Funds
2023
£
£
£
£
9,837
-
132,628
142,465
-
1,466,876
-
1,466,876
-
-
7,000
7,000
-
41,788
111,396
153,184
-
-
(4,340)
(4,340)
9,837
1,508,664
246,684
1,765,186

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) for the year ended 31 December 2024

11. STATEMENT OF RESTRICTED FUNDS

Income Expend Surplus/ Opening Closing
£ £ (Deficit) Balance Balance
Property Capital Fund - 21,235 (21,235) 1,466,876 1,445,641
Property Fund 74,380 107,721 (33,341) 37,340 3,999
Babies and Toddlers - - - 250 250
Youth and Pastoral Fund 11,226 11,226 - - -
Church weekend 1,700 400 1,300 - 1,300
P Herald 40 240 (200) 124 (76)
Fitzroy Mission Support 15,000 15,000 - - -
United Appeal 12,000 12,000 - - -
Homeplus 113 163 (50) 50 -
Fields of Life - Uganda 2,483 - 2,438 3,395 5,878
Foodbank 338 338 - - -
Tear Fund/Christian Aid 231 231 - - -
Other partner gifts 3,211 2,584 628 209 837
Other grants 13,119 5,102 8,018 421 8,439
133,840 176,239 (42,398) 1,508,665 1,466,266

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) for the year ended 31 December 2024

12. PENSION COSTS

The minister of the congregation is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme (2009). This is a scheme operated by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a separate registered charity. The congregation pays an assessment to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland equivalent to the employer’s pension contribution for the Scheme and based on the stipend paid to the minister. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme (2009) is a funded Scheme of the defined benefit type, providing defined benefits based on career average revalued salary. The Scheme has assets held in a separately administered fund managed by a board of trustees. The Presbyterian Church and the Scheme Trustees have agreed a funding plan to ensure the Scheme is sufficiently funded to meet current and future obligations. A formal schedule of contributions was drawn up on 25 November 2015 whereby the Presbyterian Church agreed to pay from 31 December 2015 contributions of 24% of pensionable salaries to cover the accrual of benefits for future service, expenses, the cost of insuring death in service benefits and funding the scheme deficit.

The contributions made by the congregation during the year were £10,908 (2023 £10,389).

The congregation operates a defined pension contribution policy for its employees. The scheme and its assets are held by an independent scheme manager. The contributions made to this scheme amounted to £656 (2023: £601).

13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Rev Steve Stockman, a trustee, received remuneration of £45,448 and expenses of £7,333 as minister of the congregation. Pension contributions of £10,908 were paid by the congregation in respect of the minister to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme (2009). Mrs Flo Adair, a Trustee, received £2,400 for bookkeeping and accounting services. None of the other trustees received any remuneration, but UHY Hacker Young Fitch received £1,464 for processing payroll for the employees and independently examining the charity accounts. Michael Fitch, a Trustee, is a director of UHY Hacker Young Fitch.

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