Treasurer’s report for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Introduction.
In presenting my eighteenth treasurer’s report I would like to place on record my thanks to Arlene McGeown for auditing the accounts.
We commenced the year with a bank balance of £43621. During the year, our total receipts were down £7372 over the previous year. The freewill offering was down £326, and Gift Aid was up £3120. During 2025 our expenditure was up £28024 on 2024. We have finished the year with an decrease in our bank balance of £28787 leaving us with cash at the bank of £14834.
Receipts.
The total receipts for the year were £62032 compared with £69404 for 2024 – a decrease of £7372 or 10.6%. We received back from the Inland Revenue £8124 compared to £8305 in 2024 – a decrease of £181. Money claimed under the Gift Aid scheme amounts to 13.1% of our total receipts compared to 12.0% last year. Our total Gift Aid money for 2025 of £39709 accounts for 64.0% of our total receipts compared to £36770 (53.0%) for 2024. Again, I would remind all taxpayers of the ability to add over 20% to your offering by simply giving via Gift Aid as opposed to freewill offering. If you already Gift Aid by standing order or direct debit and from time to time give additional money, please ensure that you give via the Gift Aid scheme otherwise the church will be denied the benefit of the additional Gift Aid tax reclaim. This can be done by way of numbered envelopes which are available from myself. There is £240 in the Building Fund which is included in the above figures.
Payments.
Total payments for the year amounted to £90819 compared with £62795 for 2024 – an increase of £28024 or 44.6%. This is mainly accounted for by the new roof on the main church. Electricity costs decreased by £985 (32.4%), units used decreased by 17.9%. Gas costs decreased by £210 (23.2%), units used decreased by 15.0%.
Conclusion.
I give thanks to the LORD for His faithfulness and the faithfulness of those who have continued to financially support the LORD’s work in Comber. I would encourage everyone to continue to support the church financially, preferably via Gift Aid where possible.
Deuteronomy 7:9 ‘ Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God…..’
Henry Irvine