Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Contents
| Trustees’ Report | 3 |
|---|---|
| Structure, Governance and Management | 8 |
| Reference and Administra�ve Informa�on | 10 |
| Trustees’ Responsibili�es in rela�on to the Financial Statements | 12 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 13 |
| Statement of Financial Ac�vi�es | 14 |
| Balance Sheet | 15 |
| Notes to the fnancial statements | 16 |
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Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accoun�ng policies set out in those statements and comply with the General Assembly Regula�ons for Congrega�onal Finance, the Chari�es and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Chari�es Accounts (Scotland) Regula�ons 2006 (as amended) and Accoun�ng and Repor�ng by Chari�es: Statement of Recommended Prac�ce applicable to chari�es preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Repor�ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland effec�ve from 1 January 2019.
Objec�ves and Ac�vi�es
The Church of Scotland is Trinitarian in doctrine, Reformed in tradi�on and Presbyterian in government. It exists to glorify God and to work for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom throughout the world. As a na�onal Church in Scotland, it acknowledges a dis�nc�ve call and duty to bring the ordinances of religion to the people in every parish of Scotland throughout a territorial ministry. It co-operates with other Churches in various ecumenical bodies in Scotland and beyond.
Crown Court Church is a congrega�on of the Church of Scotland, in the Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands. Our charitable purpose is the advancement of religion and we seek to achieve this through services of work and other ac�vi�es that shape the life of the congrega�on and its work.
Services of worship are conducted in Crown Court Church on Sunday mornings which are the main focus of the congrega�on’s week, as congregants gather for worship from across Greater London and the South East of England. There is a Sunday School which meets once a month, a choir which leads the singing at Sunday services and on other occasions for worship, and also a branch of the Guild.
We are an open congrega�on, welcoming to all. Our Sunday services are livestreamed and watched by those who would otherwise not be able to a�end in person. We use our resources wisely and welcome charitable and Chris�an groups to use our building. We operate a number of outreach programmes through Centrepoint (Bruce House) and Chris�an Aid.
Achievements and Performance
Crown Court Church is uniquely located at the centre of London’s Theatreland. The gathered congrega�on of around 180 members is commi�ed to providing a warm welcome to the many visitors to London who a�end services during their �me in the capital. The congrega�on is Sco�sh and Presbyterian in character but a�racts new members and adherents from other na�onali�es and Chris�an tradi�ons.
The congrega�on prides itself in its liberal theological heritage and inclusive ethos.
We con�nue to operate an ‘open doors’ season to welcome visitors passing by the church. The Kirk Session’s Worship Commi�ee con�nues its exercise of reimagining what worship could look like on Sunday evenings.
congrega�onal Strategy Day was held in 2023 at which the whole congrega�on had an opportunity to ar�culate the community’s values and hopes for the future. This resulted in the Kirk Session commissioning a ‘Futures Commi�ee’ to inves�gate the poten�al for future redevelopment of the hall and sanctuary for worship, and outreach to the business, residen�al and tourist sectors in our community. In early 2024, the Futures Commi�ee met with architects in order to understand the poten�al for redevelopment of our premises. This work has con�nued during 2024, with the Futures Commi�ee obtaining detailed quotes and cos�ngs from quan�ty surveyors and congrega�onal mee�ngs held to discuss and confirm the scope of the works to be undertaken. We have arrived at a Vision Statement (copies of which are available on request from
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Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Presbytery and the na�onal Church.
the Kirk Session has changed its approach to the le�ng of its premises, taking a more professional and commercial a�tude, resul�ng in an upli� in le�ng income as shown in the accounts which follow. This has been accompanied by the employment of a Finance Administrator to run the congrega�on’s financial opera�on under the supervision of our Treasurer and Session Clerk.
Music con�nues to play an important part in the life of Crown Court Church, and our Director of Music, ook up post in March 2024. The investment the Trustees made in his appointment and addi�onally in the Choral Scholarship Scheme has borne great fruit in terms of the quality of the Choir’s contribu�on to worship and the extension of their repertoire.
All in all, 2024 has been a year for the charity to con�nue the necessary steps to move forward with a renewal of congrega�onal life and increasing the charity’s poten�al reach in central London. We hope to con�nue this in 2025.
Plans for future periods
investment in the assets of the charity for its charitable purposes, which will also make the charity itself more financially sustainable in the long term but also see it make more of an impact on the locality of Covent Garden.
Our Sunday services will con�nue in person, and online. Our online presence has been enhanced with the launch of a new website.
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Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Financial Performance
basis, and special fund-raising for major expenditure on the fabric of the Church. Wherever possible, members are encouraged to contribute under the Gi� Aid scheme which allows the Church to recover tax incurred by the donors.
Total unrestricted income for the year, excluding legacies, increased from £111,561 to £125,692. During 2023, we were informed of a significant legacy of £1.5m from a former member of the Church, which was par�ally recognised in the 2023 financial statements. At 31 December 2024, this amount had not been paid from the estate, but remained highly likely and thus remained in the financial statements as accrued income, which has been increased to agree to the final payment of £1,522,168 that was received on 25 March 2025.
A�er taking into account legacies and unrealised investment gains, unrestricted funds rose by £181,682. Overall funds increased by £180,647. The significant legacy has ini�ally been invested in the Church of Scotland Investors Trust and will be used to par�ally finance our refurbishment project.
In addi�on to the normal giving the congrega�on raised £1,368 (2023: £2,718) for chari�es working both in London and elsewhere.
At the balance sheet date, the unrestricted reserves were £2,576,670 (2023: £2,394,988), including designated funds of £124,978 (2023: £52,375) with £11,236 (2023: £12,271) in restricted funds.
Reserves Policy
expenditure, plus any major expenditure on the church or manse that could reasonably be expected to arise within a �meframe that is too short to allow specific fund-raising to be undertaken. This is considered to be a figure of approximately £200,000. Reserves held by the charity at 31 December 2024 are far in excess of the expected ordinary expenditure for 2025, or the minimum amount considered of £200,000. We expect that a large propor�on of reserves which are held in excess of one year’s ordinary expenditure will be used to par�ally finance our refurbishment project.
At 31 December 2024, the Church held unrestricted funds of £2,576,670 (2023: £2,394,988). Of these funds, £101,837 (2023: £51,835) has been set aside in a designated fund for fabric expenditure, and £540 (2023: £540) in a designated welfare fund for those in need. A further designated fund for choral bursaries was established during 2024 and had a balance of £22,601 at 31 December 2024. During 2024 a transfer of £100,000 was made from the general fund to the fabric fund, in recogni�on of a programme of work that is recognised to be required at the Manse and the Church and Hall.
Investment Policy and Performance
Funds surplus to normal requirements are invested in units of the Church of Scotland Investors Trust, split between the Deposit Fund, Growth Fund and the Income Fund. The trustees are of the opinion that this provides an appropriate balance of risk and return. Any decision to invest or divest funds in the Church of Scotland Investors Trust must be approved by the Kirk Session. No investments were made in 2024, other than dividend payments from the Growth Fund which were reinvested in the Deposit Fund.
A descrip�on of the funds and amounts held in them at 31 December 2024 is overleaf.
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| Value at 31 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fund | Descrip�on | December |
| 2024 | ||
| Deposit | Intended for short-term investment, providing a high rate of interest, | £113,390 |
| the fund is invested largely in short-term loans to banks and building | ||
| socie�es and managed by professional fund managers (Thomas | ||
| Miller Investment Ltd). Interest is calculated quarterly and paid twice | ||
| a year. The average return on investment was 5.1% for the year to 31 | ||
| December 2024. | ||
| Growth | Intended for long term investment, the fund is largely equity-based | £632,813 |
| and managed by professional fund managers (Newton Investment | ||
| Management). Dividends are paid twice a year. The fund recorded a | ||
| 11.6% return on investment for the year to 31 December 2024. | ||
| Income | Intended for medium term investment, the fund is largely invested in | £95,204 |
| fxed-interest securi�es and managed by professional fund managers | ||
| (Royal London Asset Management). Dividends are paid twice a year. | ||
| The fund recoded a 5.1% return on investment for the year to 31 | ||
| December 2024. |
Further informa�on on the Church of Scotland Investors Trust can be found at the weblink below:
The Church of Scotland Investors Trust | The Church of Scotland
during the year.
Risk Management
The Kirk Session, supported by the Stewardship and Finance Commi�ee is focused on ensuring that the charity operates within its financial capabili�es and achieves value for money in its prudent spending and investment decisions. The trustees are also mindful of their need to place a high priority in minimising risk to those who work for the charity, a�end church or rent the premises. Policies are in place covering health and safety and fire preven�on. During 2024, the Kirk Session approved updated Financial Opera�ng Procedures for the charity.
Opera�onal Risk
There is a risk that the church and hall are found to not meet health and safety, fire preven�on, electrical safety and other regula�ons. Repairs to rec�fy these defects could exceed the value of
Strategy to manage risk
Through the Fabric Commi�ee, the trustees ensure that a regular programme of inspec�on on equipment and the fabric of the building is undertaken. Where inspec�ons indicate that work is required, the Fabric Commi�ee will remedy the ma�ers. Where significant expenditure is required, a decision for expenditure will be approved by the Kirk Session.
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Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
During 2023, an inspec�on of the church and hall by a Health and Safety representa�ve of the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, found that a significant level of repair, maintenance and upgrade was required to ensure the charity met all relevant legisla�ve requirements. Immediate requirements were met by the Fabric Commi�ee who have embarked on a programme of maintenance in the hall to ensure we meet minimum safety standards.
Financial Risk
cannot meet our Giving to Grow payments to the Church of Scotland.
Strategy to manage risk
The level of congrega�onal giving, along with gi� aid and other dona�ons is closely monitored by the Treasurer, Stewardship and Finance Commi�ee and the Kirk Session. All members are encouraged to complete Gi� Aid forms to ensure the charity receives the benefit of tax that has been paid. During 2024 we installed contactless payment machines in the church and the hall to encourage giving in an increasingly cashless society. During the autumn of 2024 the Stewardship and Finance Commi�ee ran a stewardship campaign to encourage members to consider their giving, and where it could be afforded, to increase it. Early indicators from the campaign are encouraging.
The Stewardship and Finance Commi�ee will con�nue to consider whether there is a need to run another campaign to increase congrega�onal giving, or a campaign for specific expenditures.
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Cornrnerthal In CThifiden Crown Court Churth of Scotland Annual Rel and finanaal Statements 2024 Structure, Governance and Management The con8re8ation is a registered charity, number SC042648. and is administered in accordance with the terms of the Deed of Constitution Iunitary Forwnl. It is subject to the Acts ar)d Regulations of the Gener31 Assembly of the Church of ScotlarKI. The members of the Kirk sessi are the trustees of the Iharity. The Kirk Session members are elders of the church and are chosen from those meMrS of the church who are considered to have the appropriate level of time and t3lenls and have pled8ed to use those talents in furthering the ministry. The Kirk Session, which generally meets up to six tt.mes a year. is restM)nsible for spirrtual affairs within the church. All trustees are made aware of their iesp)nsibilities for the finance. management arKI pastoial outreach in the Church upon appointment and thr(MJ8h re8ular training sessions. minister, who is a member of the Kirk Session. is elected by the congregatt.on and inducted by Presbytery. The Kirk Sewon has six main sub-committees as set out below". Klrk Sesslon Fabri£ Futures Hospitality Stewanlshlp rtreth and Worship Each sub-committee has an eldei ol the church Js Convener who report5 to the Kiik Se55Tr0n. Sub-committee conveners at the date of Ihis annual rewrt are ted in the diagram atrve. SulFCommittees et on 3 regular basis, the frequency bein8 determined by the workload ar)d pro1t5 in hand. Members of sub-committees do rbot require to be an elder of the church and we encourage congregational membership of the committees. In addition lo trustee memteTS. the followin8 church members, who are t elders sit on Committees.. Iii addition to the siib-Corrirt)ittees aboille. the charity also operatcs 3 Pastoial ( aro teain, vJliich Icports directly to Kirk Session but is not consmlered lo be a sutrkcommtttee of the Session.
Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Decisions are made by the consensus of Kirk Session. Where urgent decisions require to be made regarding the fabric of the building, authority is delegated to the majority of the Minister, Session Clerk, Treasurer and Fabric Commi�ee Convener. Any such decisions made are reported to the Kirk Session at the earliest opportunity.
For 2024, the charity had three employees, the Church Administrator, a Finance Administrator and the Director of Music. Their working hours are agreed with the Session Clerk and Minister. Their pay is recommended by the Stewardship and Finance Commi�ee for approval by the Kirk Session.
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Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Reference and Administra�ve Informa�on
Trustees
The members of the Kirk Session are the trustees of the charity. The Kirk Session members are elders of the church and are chosen from those members of the church who are considered to have the appropriate level of �me and talents and have pledged to use those talents in furthering the ministry. The minister, who is a member of the Kirk Session, is elected by the congrega�on and inducted by Presbytery. was inducted to the charge of Crown Court Church on 5 May 2022.
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Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Independent Examiner
Whitelaw Wells Chartered Accountants 9 Ainslie Place Edinburgh EH3 6AT
Bankers
The Royal Bank of Scotland London Fleet Street Branch 1 Fleet Street London EC4Y 1BD
Investment Managers
Church of Scotland Investors Trust 121 George Street Edinburgh EH2 4YN
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corn1neIaI In ConMenEe Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Ststements 2024 Trustee5' Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees, annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United knngdom Accounting Stsndards (United Kingdom Genernlly Accepted Accounting Practice). Charity law requires the trustses to pTrPa financial ststements for each financial year whith show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the tharlty for that period. In preparing the financial 5tstements. the tntee$ are required to: • select sultsble accounting pollcies and appty them consistently, • observe the method and principles in the applKable Charities SORP: • make judgements and estimes that are reax)nable and prudent- • state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended praciice have been followed, sublect to any departu$ disclosed and explained In the flnancial statements,. and • prepare the financial ststements on the goin8 concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charlty will continue in operational existence. The trustee5 are reswn5ible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charivs transactions and disclose with 3$Onable accurdcv at any time the financial position of the charlty and to enable them to ensure that the financial Statements comply with the Charltles and Trustee Investment (Scotlandl Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Regulations 2C)6 las amended). They a also responsible for safeBuardinB the assets of the charlty and hence for takin8 reasonable steps for the preVenOn and detectlon of fraud and other irregular5tle5. The trustees are responslble for the malntenance and Integrlty of the charlty and financlal InfOrMaOn on the congatIon'S website. Legislaon in the United Kingdom 8tr4erning the preparnOn and dlssemlnatlon of financial statements may drfFer from legislation in otherjurisdictions. ApPrd by the Trustees and $18ned on thelr behalf by: Sesslon Clerk 12 June 2025 12
Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Members and Trustees of Crown Court Church of Scotland for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages 14 to 26.
Responsibili�es of the charity’s commi�ee and independent examiner
The charity’s Directors are responsible for the prepara�on of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Chari�es and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Chari�es Accounts (Scotland) Regula�ons 2006 (as amended). The charity’s Directors consider that the audit requirement of Regula�on 10(1) (a) to (c) of the Chari�es Accounts (Scotland) Regula�ons (as amended) does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under sec�on 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether par�cular ma�ers have come to my a�en�on.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
My examina�on is carried out in accordance with Regula�on 11 of the Chari�es Accounts (Scotland) Regula�ons 2006 (as amended). An examina�on includes a review of the accoun�ng records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considera�on of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explana�ons from the Directors concerning any such ma�ers. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In the course of my examina�on, no ma�er has come to my a�en�on:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accoun�ng records in accordance with Sec�on 44 (1)(a) of The Chari�es and Trustee
-
Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and Regula�on 4 of the 2006 Accounts regula�ons and Sec�on 381 and 382 of the Companies Act 2006; and
-
prepare accounts which accord with the accoun�ng records and comply with Regula�on 8 of the
-
Chari�es Accounts (Scotland) Regula�ons 2006 (as amended).
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, a�en�on should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Whitelaw Wells
Chartered Accountant 9 Ainslie Place Edinburgh EH3 6AT
12 June 2025
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Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
| Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024 | Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024 |
|---|---|
| Statement of Financial Ac�vi�es for the year ended 31 December 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2023 Restricted Funds 2023 Total 2023 Note £ £ £ £ £ £ Income and endowments from: Dona�ons and legacies 2 244,175 1,754 245,929 1,535,343 1,040 1,536,383 Charitable ac�vi�es 3 1,178 - 1,178 1,431 - 1,431 Other trading ac�vi�es 4 28,635 - 28,635 23,140 - 23,140 Investments 5 24,934 - 24,934 20,014 - 20,014 Total income 298,922 1,754 300,676 1,579,928 1,040 1,580,968 Expenditure on: 6 Raising funds 562 - 562 116 - 116 Charitable ac�vi�es 172,092 2,789 174,881 127,800 8,814 136,614 Total expenditure 172,654 2,789 175,443 127,916 8,814 136,730 Net income/(expenditure) before gains and losses on investments 126,268 (1,035) 125,233 1,452,012 (7,774) 1,444,238 Net gains/(losses) on investments 55,414 - 55,414 46,094 - 46,094 Net income/(expenditure) 181,682 (1,035) 180,647 1,498,106 (7,774) 1,490,332 Transfers between funds - - - - - - Net movement in funds 181,682 (1,035) 180,647 1,498,106 (7,774) 1,490,332 Reconcilia�on of funds: Total funds brought forward 16 2,394,988 12,271 2,407,259 896,882 20,045 916,927 Total funds carried forward 2,576,670 11,236 2,587,906 2,394,988 12,271 2,407,259 |
|
Note Income and endowments from: Dona�ons and legacies 2 Charitable ac�vi�es 3 Other trading ac�vi�es 4 Investments 5 Total income Expenditure on: 6 Raising funds Charitable ac�vi�es Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) before gains and losses on investments Net gains/(losses) on investments Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconcilia�on of funds: Total funds brought forward 16 Total funds carried forward |
|
| 298,922 1,754 300,676 1,579,928 1,040 1,580,968 |
|
| 562 - 562 116 - 116 172,092 2,789 174,881 127,800 8,814 136,614 |
|
| 172,654 2,789 175,443 127,916 8,814 136,730 |
|
| 126,268 (1,035) 125,233 1,452,012 (7,774) 1,444,238 55,414 - 55,414 46,094 - 46,094 |
|
| 181,682 (1,035) 180,647 1,498,106 (7,774) 1,490,332 |
|
| - - - - - - |
|
| 181,682 (1,035) 180,647 1,498,106 (7,774) 1,490,332 |
|
| 2,394,988 12,271 2,407,259 896,882 20,045 916,927 2,576,670 11,236 2,587,906 2,394,988 12,271 2,407,259 |
The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year set out above. All activities of the charity are classed as continuing and are unrestricted in the current and previous years. The notes on pages 16 to 26 are an integral part of this Statement of Financial Ac�vi�es.
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Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
| alance Sheet as at 31 December 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Note Fixed Assets Tangible assets 9 Investments 10 Total Fixed Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 11 Debtors 12 Total Current Assets Liabili�es Creditors falling due within one year 13 Net Current Assets Net Assets The Funds of the Charity Restricted income funds 16 Unrestricted income funds 16 Total Charity Funds |
Unrestricted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 £ £ 60,993 - 728,018 - |
Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 £ £ 60,993 63,768 728,018 672,604 |
| 789,011 - |
789,011 736,372 |
|
| 155,330 11,236 1,648,699 - |
166,566 199,679 1,648,699 1,486,302 |
|
| 1,804,029 11,236 |
1,815,265 1,685,981 | |
| 16,370 - |
16,370 15,094 |
|
| 1,787,659 11,236 |
1,798,895 1,670,887 | |
| 2,576,670 11,236 |
2,587,906 2,407,259 | |
| 11,236 12,271 2,576,670 2,394,988 2,587,906 2,407,259 |
their behalf by:
Session Clerk
Stewardship and Finance Commi�ee Convener
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Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
Note 1 – Accoun�ng Policies
The principal accoun�ng policies, which have been applied consistently in the current and preceding year in dealing with items which are considered material to the accounts, are set out below.
Basis of prepara�on
Statement of Recommended Prac�ce applicable to chari�es preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Repor�ng Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) effec�ve from 1 January 2019 and the Financial Repor�ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Chari�es and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Chari�es Accounts (Scotland) Regula�ons 2006 (as amended).
Fund accoun�ng
-
Restricted funds declared by the donor or with their authority or created through legal processes, but s�ll within the wider objects of the charity.
-
Unrestricted funds are expendable at the discre�on of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. If parts of the unrestricted funds are earmarked at the discre�on of the trustees for a par�cular purpose, they are designated as a separate fund. This designa�on has an administra�ve purpose only and does not legally restrict the trustees’ discre�on to apply the fund.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertain�es about the ability of the charity to con�nue for the foreseeable future, and therefore have adopted the going concern basis in preparing these
Recogni�on of income
Income is recognised when the charity has en�tlement to the funds, any performance condi�ons a�ached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies
Donations, legacies and similar incoming resources are included in the period in which they are receivable, which is when the charity becomes entitled to the resource. For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either:
-
The charity is aware that confirmation (or equivalent) has been granted;
-
The estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made; or
-
When a distribution is received from the estate.
Income from charitable activities
Income from activities is included in the SOFA in the period in which it is receivable.
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Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Investment income and rental income
Income from investments and rental income is included in the SOFA in the period in which it is receivable.
Donated services and facili�es
Donated professional services and donated facili�es are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any condi�ons associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Chari�es SORP (FRS102) the general volunteer �me of congrega�on members is not recognised in these financial statements.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facili�es are recognised on the basis of the value of the gi� to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facili�es of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised as expenditure in the period of receipt.
Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon no�fica�on of the interest paid or payable by the bank or investment fund.
Recogni�on and alloca�on of expenditure
Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Ac�vi�es on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or construc�ve obliga�on to pay for expenditure.
Fixed assets
the church, church hall and manse. No considera�on is payable for the use of these assets. Expenditure incurred on the repair and maintenance of these assets is charged as resources expended in the Statement of Financial Ac�vi�es in the period in which the liability arises.
other than those acquired for specific purposes, are capitalised. Deprecia�on is provided on a straight-line basis to write off the cost or ini�al value, less residual value, of tangible fixed assets over their es�mated useful lives.
Audio visual equipment
5 years
Investments
Fixed and current asset investments are stated at fair value at the balance sheet date. Unrealised gains and losses represent the difference between the fair value at the beginning and end of the financial year or, if purchased in the year, the difference between cost and fair value at the end of the year. Realised gains and losses represent the difference between the proceeds on disposal and the fair value at the start of the year or cost if purchased in the year.
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Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Taxa�on
Crown Court Church of Scotland is recognised as a charity for the purposes of applicable taxa�on legisla�on and is therefore not subject to taxa�on on its charitable ac�vi�es. The charity is not registered for VAT and resources expended therefore include irrecoverable input VAT.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand. The charity holds cash and cash equivalents with the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Church of Scotland Investors Trust.
Debtors
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any discounts due. Accrued income, where income has been earned, or in the case of legacies, no�fied and highly likely to be received, but not yet received is recognised at the charity’s best es�mate of value.
Creditors
Creditors are normally recognised at their se�lement amount a�er allowing for any trade discounts due.
Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
Critical Judgements and estimates
In preparing the financial statements Trustees make estimates and assumptions which affect reported results, financial position and disclosure of contingencies. Use of available information and application of judgement are inherent in the formation of the estimates, together with past experience and expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results in the future could differ from such estimates.
The estimates and assumptions with a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are:
- The inclusion of legacies which have not been paid to the charity at the year end
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Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Note 2 – Dona�ons and Legacies
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Total | Funds | Funds | Total | |
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Oferings | 53,542 | - | 53,542 | 53,296 | - | 53,296 |
| Tax recovered on Gi� Aid | 17,036 | - | 17,036 | 12,422 | - | 12,422 |
| Legacies | 173,230 | - | 173,230 | 1,468,367 | - | 1,468,367 |
| Other dona�ons | 367 | 1,754 | 2,120 | 1,258 | 1,040 | 2,298 |
| 244,175 | 1,754 | 265,929 | 1,535,343 | 1,040 | 1,536,383 | |
| Note 3 – Income from Charitable Ac�vi�es | ||||||
| Weddings and Funerals | 1,178 | - | 1,178 | 1,384 | - | 1,384 |
| Fundraising income | - | - | - | 47 | - | 47 |
| 1,178 | - | 1,178 | 1,431 | - | 1,431 | |
| Note 4 – Income from other | trading ac�vi�es | |||||
| Rental income – Church | ||||||
| and Hall | 28,635 | - | 28,635 | 23,140 | - | 23,140 |
| Note 5 – Investment Income | ||||||
| Dividends received | 18,555 | - | 18,555 | 16,206 | - | 16,206 |
| Deposit Fund interest | 5,190 | - | 5,190 | 2,437 | - | 2,437 |
| Bank account interest | 1,189 | - | 1,189 | 1,371 | - | 1,371 |
| 24,934 | - | 24,934 | 20,014 | - | 20,014 |
19
Crown Court Church of Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Note 6 – Analysis of Expenditure
| Raising Funds Ofering envelopes Stewardship campaign Charitable Ac�vi�es Giving to Grow Presbytery dues Minister travel expenses Minister communica�ons Pulpit Supply Organist and music Deputy organist & musicians Church Administrator Manse Expenditure Church & Hall Expenditure Insurance Organ and pianos Contract cleaning Pest control Church ofce costs So�ware licences Copyright and Radio licence Website & Branding project Kitchen & Catering costs Flowers, less dona�ons Training costs Subscrip�ons, Memberships Sunday School Bank Charges External audit / Independent Examina�on fee Pastoral Care & Outreach Deprecia�on Other expenses Designated fund expenditure TOTAL |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 202 - 202 116 - 116 360 - 360 - - - |
|---|---|
| 562 - 562 116 - 116 |
|
| 50,339 - 50,339 46,708 - 46,708 1,665 - 1,665 1,440 - 1,440 649 - 649 492 - 492 708 - 708 1,607 - 1,607 1,031 - 1,031 443 - 443 8,099 - 8,099 - - - 955 - 955 6,508 - 6,508 8,679 - 8,679 5,791 - 5,791 5,385 - 5,385 6,228 7,892 14,120 9,056 - 9,056 21,965 - 21,965 5,905 - 5,905 5,533 - 5,533 533 - 533 1,257 - 1,257 7,213 - 7,213 3,098 - 3,098 769 - 769 732 - 732 2,417 - 2,417 3,746 - 3,746 576 - 576 609 - 609 411 - 411 495 - 495 2,958 - 2,958 6,750 - 6,750 - 2,768 2,768 - 849 849 816 - 816 256 - 256 2,592 - 2,592 - - - 1,256 - 1,256 814 - 814 - 21 21 - 73 73 113 - 113 184 - 184 2,520 - 2,520 9,990 - 9,990 84 - 84 390 - 390 2,775 - 2,775 - - - 2,191 - 2,191 2,764 - 2,764 52,397 - 52,397 - - - |
|
| 172,092 2,789 174,881 127,800 8,814 136,614 172,654 2,789 175,443 127,916 8,814 136,730 |
20
Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
| Manse Expenditure Council tax Water rates Maintenance Total Church and Hall Expenditure Hea�ng and ligh�ng Water rates Maintenance Total |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 3,306 - 3,306 3,122 - 3,122 308 - 308 949 - 949 1,771 - 1,771 2,157 7,892 10,049 |
|---|---|
| 5,385 0 5,385 6,228 7,892 14,120 |
|
| 7,195 - 7,195 5,220 - 5,220 207 - 207 170 - 170 1,654 - 1,654 16,575 - 16,575 |
|
| 9,056 0 9,056 21,965 - 21,965 |
ac�vity. Therefore, support costs relate wholly to that ac�vity.
21
Cornrnerthal In CThifiden Crown Court Church of ScodarKI Annual Report and Financlal Statements 2024 Note 7- Staff Costs and Number5 2024 2023 Salaries and wages Social 5ecurwty costs Total 15.928 5,791 15.928 5,791 In 2024, there was one part-time administrator and one Director of MUSK employed by the charity12023= One part-time administratorl. No employee earned ber)efits in excess of £60.L)(2o23.' None). All Church of Scotland congregations contribute to the National Stipend Fund which be3TS the costs of all ministers, stipends and employer's contribubons for national insurance. pension and housing and loan fund. Ministers. stipends are Pakl in accordance with the nakn.onal stt.pend scale. which is related to years of service. For the year under review the minimum stipend was £31,642 and the maximum stipend lin the fifth and subsequent years of Seice) £38.884. Not¢ 8- Trust¢¢ R¢mun•ratlM and R•lat•d PaiTY Transactlons Durin8 the year. the Minister. e(eTh £649 for reimbursement of travel expenses 12023.. E4921. Council tax on th£, M.Ifib£' i)1 I I, I(kn12023.' E3,1221,' mobile phone costs of £19312023.. £1871 and broadband costs for manse of £51512023= £5151 were paid on bel)All ol Ill Duriryg 2023 the Kirk se55n appr1 the purchase of an iPad for the acos Inember of the Kirk sesOn, until 15 October 2024 was emplrryed as Church A(1111111141 r.Il()r durin8 the year arKI received remiJnpratit)n ol f 8.67912023.. £5.7911. Iiusband of Kirk Sessiorb Membe received £565 as Deputy Organist in ents were made in 2024. J other trustee or related pe[SL received any remuneration or other payment of expenses in 2024 12023.. None). Except as noted aLe. no Tiustee or [sOn related to a Trustee had arry peisonal interest in any contract or transactions enlered into ty the Charity durin8 the year. Three trustees were also trustees of the Royal kotti5h Corporation IS(ot5Girel during 2024. None ale con5ideied to have been in a position of si8nificant conlrol at either entity and Iherefore this has t beer) considered as a related party to Clown Court Church. During the year. donab.ons were made by Trustees to the Charty. However. it is not piactical foi the total to be reFx)rted as donations may made in cash, in kirnl and on an at)onymous basis.
Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Note 9 – Tangible Fixed Assets
| Value at 1 January Addi�ons Disposals Deprecia�on Value at 31 December |
2024 2023 Buildings Audio Visual Equipment Total Total £ £ £ £ 49,893 13,875 63,768 49,893 - - - 13,875 - - - - - (2,775) (2,775) - |
|---|---|
| 49,893 11,100 60,993 63,678 |
The Trustees hold the �tle to the Church and the Manse. No valua�on for the Church is available, and it is excluded from the accounts. The Manse is shown in the accounts at cost. In the opinion of the Trustees, the market value of the property is not less than £2.5million.
Note 10 – Investments
| Market value at 1 January Purchases in year Disposals in year Unrealised (losses)/gains Market value at 31 December Investments at cost |
2024 £ 2023 £ 672,604 626,510 - - - - 55,414 46,094 |
|---|---|
| 728,018 672,604 |
|
| 570,000 570,000 |
All funds above are invested in the Church of Scotland Investors Trust. Crown Court Church holds units in both the Growth Fund and the Income Fund.
Note 11 – Cash and Cash Equivalents
| Cash at bank Church of Scotland Investors Trust Deposit Fund |
Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Restricted Funds 2024 £ Total 2024 £ Total 2023 £ 41,940 11,236 53,176 99,679 113,390 - 113,390 100,000 |
|---|---|
| 155,330 11,236 166,566 199,679 |
23
Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Note 12 – Debtors
| Prepayments Tax recoverable under Gi� Aid Trade debtors Accrued income - legacies |
2024 £ 2023 £ 502 485 50,863 57,500 1,166 2,193 1,596,168 1,426,124 |
|---|---|
| 1,648,699 1,486,302 |
had not been paid by the year end, although it was paid by the end of March 2025 it con�nues to be recognised as accrued income above.
Note 13 – Creditors
| ote 13 – Creditors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Sundry creditors | 16,370 | 15,094 |
Note 14 – Analysis of Net Assets Among Funds
| Fixed Assets Investments Current Assets Current Liabili�es Net Assets at 31 December 2024 Fixed Assets Investments Current Assets Current Liabili�es Net Assets at 31 December 2023 |
General Designated Restricted Total £ £ £ £ 60,993 - - 60,993 728,018 - - 728,018 1,679,051 124,978 11,236 1,815,265 (16,370) - - (16,370) |
|---|---|
| 2,451,692 124,978 11,236 2,587,906 |
|
| 63,768 - - 63,768 672,604 - - 672,604 1,621,335 52,375 12,271 1,685,981 (15,094) - - (15,094) |
|
| 2,342,613 52,375 12,271 2,407,259 |
24
Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Note 15 – Volunteers
contribu�on made by volunteers who give their �me and talents willingly for the benefit of the Church. The areas of congrega�onal life which rely on the contribu�on of volunteers are many and varied and much of the ac�vity would be unable to con�nue were it not for the commitment shown.
Note 16 – Movement in Funds
| Restricted Funds Kitchen and Catering Sunday School Unrestricted Funds Designated Fabric Designated Welfare Designated Choral Scholarship General Total Funds Restricted Funds Manse Kitchen and Catering Sunday School Unrestricted Funds Designated Fabric Designated Welfare General Total Funds |
At 1 January 2024 Incoming Resources Outgoing Resources Transfers between Funds Investment Gains / (Losses) At 31 December 2024 £ £ £ £ £ £ 11,368 1,754 (2,768) - - 10,354 903 - (21) - - 882 |
|---|---|
| 12,271 1,754 (2,789) - - 11,236 |
|
| 51,835 - (49,998) 100,000 - 101,837 540 - - - - 540 - - (2,399) 25,000 - 22,601 2,342,613 298,922 (120,257) (125,000) 55,414 2,279,524 |
|
| 2,394,988 298,922 (172,654) - 55,414 2,404,502 |
|
| 2,407,259 300,676 (175,443) - 55,414 2,587,906 |
|
| At 1 January 2023 Incoming Resources Outgoing Resources Transfers between Funds Investment Gains / (Losses) At 31 December 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 7,892 - (7,892) - - - 11,177 1,040 (849) - - 11,368 976 - (73) - - 903 |
|
| 20,045 1,040 (8,814) - - 12,271 |
|
| 64,594 - (12,759) - - 51,835 540 - - - - 540 831,748 1,579,928 (115,157) - 46,094 2,342,613 |
|
| 896,882 1,579,928 (127,916) - 46,094 2,394,988 |
|
| 916,927 1,580,968 (136,730) - 46,094 2,407,259 |
25
Crown Court Church of Scotland
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
Purposes of Restricted Funds
Manse This fund was established to provide for the cost of refurbishing the manse during 2022. The fund was fully u�lised during 2023.
Kitchen and Catering This fund was established to meet the costs of providing refreshments for congrega�onal events and maintaining kitchen equipment. Sunday School This fund is available to provide resources for use by the Sunday School.
Purposes of Designated Funds
Fabric
maintenance costs of the church and manse.
Welfare The Trustees have set aside funds for those considered to be in need of support.
Choral Scholarship To develop and enhance the Choir, the Trustees have set aside funds for the payment of annual scholarships through a Choral Scholarship Scheme and payments for ad-hoc augmenta�on of the Choir for certain services and/or performances.
Note 17 – Collec�ons for Third Par�es
| Borderline / ScotsCare Chris�an Aid Centrepoint – Bruce House DEC – Turkey-Syria Earthquake Westminster Foodbank |
2024 £ 2023 £ - 745 475 980 380 133 - 537 513 323 |
|---|---|
| 1,368 2,718 |
Note 18 – Opera�ng Leases
follows:
| £ | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due within | 1 | year | 1,099 | |
| Due within | 2 | – 5 years | 3,022 |
26