Trustee’s Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the financial period ending 31[ST] March 2025
Peter Hall Finance & Accounting Certified Public Accountant UK 10227712A
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Report and Financial Statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] March 2025
CONTENTS –
| Trustees Report | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner’s report | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10-12 |
| Other items of interest | 13 |
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
“Church at the heart of Buchan”
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report for the financial year ending 31[st] March 2025.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Charity Name : Mintlaw Community Church Charity Number : Scottish Registered Charity SC044752 HMRC Tax Ref No . : ST00731 Constitutional form : Unincorporated Association Constitutional date : 19[th] March 2013 Accounting reference date : 31[st] March Principal Address :
Charity Trustees:
Bankers: Clydesdale Bank, The Square, Mintlaw, Code 82-66-24. Account Number 9047 7526.
Media: Web: www.mintlawchurch.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/mintlawcommunitychurch
The senior Staff member responsible for day-to-day management of the charity: Stuart Watt
The charity has income below £250,000, and as such is eligible to prepare its accounts on a “Receipts and Payments” Basis. The governing document does not require the charity to prepare fully accrued accounts and neither does it require an audit. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with SORP 2015 issued by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in its role as a SORP making body, recognised by the Financial Reporting Council. The charity has had the accounts independently examined by “Peter Hall Finance & Accounting Solutions” of Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire.
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STRLTcfuRE GOVERN.4NCE TrLIN.IGEIIENT Governing document: 'tsIintlaw CotnfflUtF Cliurcli" was recognised as a Scottish clianty ii-ldi elfect from 19th IIarcli 2014. Tlie Trust is admiiMstered lli accordlce with tlie te£ms ot die Trust Deed. Tlie Cli'S C112nt2ble objectii.es are die adi"ancemeiit OE reliOn aiid die prereiitioii and relief ot ertY. Tlie Cliurcli is 2 clwitable Icorpoiated assooatioii, la die purposes and adListratiO1] atialigements are set out lli its coiistitutioii. The Charity is reystered xK-Idi the "Office of Scottisli Clwity Regulatoi" The Chanty is also restered Th-ith TrthI Revenue as a Cliantr for purposes line widi par2grapli l of scliedule 6 Fu]2nce Act 2010. The orgarrisational structur¢ and decision-making process: The Trustees are the anagerial ann of "NIALidaw CommuLMty Cliurch" How trustees are appointed and recruited: Ilie Trustees ete those 2PPOlllted on die est2blishment ot the trust and r[eSe1]t the mll]llnum number reqlled. Aptfflent alid remoral B'ill be lli accoidance widi the Trust Deed Thlucli requeS diat appollitmeLIt Is approved by unanllnous agreemeiit of die eLstiiig trustees and remoral of 211! trustee by the un2nllnous 2greement OE tlie others. Risk Management: It is considered br die Trustees that there is no foreseeable nsk liere "LNIiLitlaTr commllty Cliurcli" Is ePoSed. Afffliations and comiections: The charity is 2fffliated 711 die "Assemblies of God, Great Bt' ',Issetnblies of God" Is 2 comp2tir limited br yiaraiitee INO. 28", 341 fj) reltered iii Entrlgiid. li?riiio ifs retered office at , 2lld is also 2 iegjsieied CL. (N o. l Oi_- OB ECTIVES AND .IcfTIryTIES Objectives of the charity as set out An the constitution: To advance the Chnstian th accordaiice -1] die statement of FdI of die "Assemblies ot God, 2S 2ppioI-ed bv die Geiieral cOle11 of die .Issemblies of Go(L from time to titne aiid lli sucli parts of die LTnited Kitigdom. or die -0a as tlie Assembl}: Council mar, from time to titne tl]iuL- tit. To reheve sickniess and 1liCialI]2ras1Mp, ld to promote 211d preserve good Iiealdi, by tlie prorision of fiwds, goods or serrices ot 2nr Lind, doug11 tlie proi-lsioii of cowiselling and support lli sucli parts of die Umted KILI om or die wodd, as die Assembly Council, fioLn tilne to time d]inL-s fit, and to advaiice education such Trays aiid sucli parts of tlie Uiuted Ki[d0M or die Trodd as tlie Cliurcli Council from time to time, tlw]Ls fit.
Such other charitable purposes as shall further the attainment of the above objects of the Assembly.
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects: Weekly meetings; Sunday morning, events for children and youth events for the community, community events, food distribution. Counselling and practical help are available.
Volunteers: The charity is very involved in the community and relies on the help of volunteers in the areas of supervision of the beds and administration of the charity. The Trustees would like to thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the life of the charity. The Trustees acknowledge that service to the public benefit would not be possible with these volunteers.
ACHIEVEMENTS, PERFORMANCE & FUTURE PLANS
Following the acquisition of our property in the centre of Mintlaw in February 2023, the last year has largely been focussed on its refurbishment. It hasn’t just been the practical works required that have taken up time and focus, but the many other things associated with such a project also.
It must be said however, the building is looking fantastic, and the project has been a resounding success, both in terms of budget and quality of works carried out.
Having such a facility really is a game changer for what we can do in the community. We have some great ideas, which include a community food pantry, an after-school kids club, a youth outreach, warm space initiative, and a monthly soup and sweet to help those who are struggling.
As well as the building project, we’ve continued with our weekly services and commitments in the community, including chaplaincy in our local high school and Youthwork.
Despite recent years having been tough in many ways for everyone, the core of our fellowship remains. The core is made up of many enthusiastic, gifted and big-hearted group of people. So we really are excited about the days ahead and the opportunities that are presented before us.
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
During the financial year, the Church received total income of £67,307, a decrease from the previous year's income of £91,276. This included unrestricted donations and legacies of £61,494 and restricted income of £950, primarily designated toward the building fund. Additional unrestricted income of £4,858 was received from Gift Aid claims.
Expenditure for the year totalled £86,650, significantly reduced from £172,358 in 2024. Of this, £61,975 related to unrestricted funds and £24,675 to restricted funds. The primary areas of expenditure included salaries and wages (£29,162), building-related repairs & costs (£24,675), ministry and outreach activities (£7,127), and professional services and operational costs such as insurance, subscriptions, and utilities.
The net result for the year was a deficit of £19,348 (2024: £81,082 deficit). This comprised a surplus of £4,377 in unrestricted funds and a deficit of £23,725 in restricted funds, largely due to the drawdown of funds previously allocated for building purchases and improvements.
At the year-end, total funds stood at £13,393 (2024: £32,741), of which £5,228 were unrestricted and £8,165 were restricted. The restricted balance reflects the remaining funds designated for ongoing building development and maintenance.
The Trustees note the significant drop in expenditure this year, reflecting the completion of major building works in the prior period and a return to regular operational levels. While the reduction in total funds is expected, the church remains in a stable financial position with sufficient resources to meet ongoing commitments.
Reimbursements for approved out-of-pocket expenses was made in line with the Church’s governing documents.
These graphs show a notable decrease in both income and expenditure from 2024 to 2025, especially in restricted funds.
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Restricted Funds Expenditure: Tlie restricted fiaS expenses There 2SSOCi2ted "It[l tlie new buildiiig fted to the CliurclL preriously 2 public bar, ]d reqlled lIpadeS to meet Aberdeenslure Council standards lor use as a Church. The costs cluded Iiealtli and Safetr reqUeme1]tS and geiieral fit-out. As die acColtS are prepared 011 2 'RecPts ld Pa!-.meiits bas, all costs Iiare beeii expensed accordallce Th-ltli SORP 2019. am 4 Tho Squir• nllaw Declaration of Other Costs by Trustees and Related Persons: £29,~. 00 (£2-, ,225 lli 2024) Oi.801£6iO ill 2024) Total £30,403.80 (£27,855 in 2024) No odier tLUStees receive remuneration. The fmancial effect of s cant events: Ilie tnost s upgrade. See the FlliaLicl Review. clt event was the building Investment policy & objectives set: The prCIpal funding source of tlie cliaritr is the cliurcli atteiide£s ii.lio gil-e geiie£ouslTr- from die oii-n resources. Iliere are iio PIlS for £aisll)g of debt. oi m2joi expeiiditures. There is no surplus cash itirestmeiits or debt llistrLuneiits.
Charities policy on reserves: The bank account must maintain at least a minimum of £1,000. This floor limit ensures that operating expenses would be covered.
Donated facilities and services: None.
Going Concern: As at the date of approval of this report, and the financial accounts, the Trustees have assessed that there is no uncertainty about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Factors likely to affect financial performance or position going forward: The Church was gifted a new building in the centre of Mintlaw. This was the pub: “The Garret”. The Trustees will fit out the facility with the current cash on hand and further donations. No debt should be required.
Statement of disclosure of the Independent Examination. In so far as the Trustees are aware at the time of approving our Trustee’s annual report, there is no relevant information, being information needed by the Independent Examiner in connection with preparing their report, of which the Independent Examiner is unaware.
The Trustees believe that this report is a fair, balanced and an understandable review of the charity’s structure, legal purposes, objectives and activities, financial performance & financial position.
The Charity Trustees declare that they have approved the report above. Signed on behalf of the Charity Trustees.
:……………………………………… Signature Full Name :
Date : 20/8/2025 Position : Trustee/Pastor
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF"MINTLAW COMMUNITY CHURCH" Scottish Registered Charity SC044752 I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31ST March 2025 which are set out on pages 9t011. Res ective res onsibilities of Trustees and Auditors The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scoand) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotiandl Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10111 lal to Ic) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44111 Icl of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. The basis of audit o inion My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. 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 accounts. Inde endent Examiner's statement In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 4411) {a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met. or to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to Ènable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Date: 111212025
Mintlaw Community Church Statement of Financial Activities
For the financial year ending 31st March 2025
Scottish Registered Charity SC044752
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | 2024 | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |||
| 2025 | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Receipts: | |||||
| Donations & Legacies | 61,494 | 950 | 62,444 | 83,036 | 1,2 |
| Charitable Activities | |||||
| Other Trading Activities | |||||
| Investments | |||||
| Other | 4,858 | 4,858 | 8,240 | 3 | |
| Total | 66,352 | 950 | 67,307 | 91,276 | |
| Payments: | |||||
| Raising Funds | |||||
| Charitable Activities | 61,975 | 24,675 | 86,650 | 172,358 | 4 |
| Other | |||||
| Total | 61,975 | 24,675 | 86,650 | 172,358 | |
| Net Receipts/(payments) | 4,377 | (23,725) | (19,348) | (81,082) | |
| Transfers between funds | |||||
| Reconciliation of funds – | |||||
| Statement of Balances b/fwd | 851 | 31,890 | 32,741 | 113,823 | |
| Total funds bought forward | 4,377 | (23,725) | (19,348) | (81,082) | |
| Total funds carried forward | 5,228 | 8,165 | 13.393 | 32,741 | 5 |
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| Notes to the Statement of Financial Activities Receipts Income from Donations & Legacies General Donations Designated Donations Gifts Grants Interest Insurance Claim Missions Restricted funds - Building Tax reclaimed (Gift Aid) (allocated to Bldg) Payments Expenditure on Charitable Activities All costs to further charity's aims; Restricted Unrestricted Advertising Bank Fees Conferences 1,040 Donations & Gifts 1,070 Honorarium 1,980 Insurance 2,541 Kitchen requisites 288 Literature & Resources 258 Ministry expenses 2,038 Missions 2,000 Outreach Ministry & Hospitality 7,127 Professional Services 1,280 Rent Expense 1,946 Repairs & Maintenance – Building Purchase 24,675 Salaries & Wages 29,162 Salaries & Wages expenses 6,239 Software 100 Subscriptions & Memberships 1,304 Telephone Training 400 Travel & Accommodation 382 Utillities 2,820 Vehicle Fuel Vehicle Maintenance 24,675 61,975 |
Notes to the Statement of Financial Activities Receipts Income from Donations & Legacies General Donations Designated Donations Gifts Grants Interest Insurance Claim Missions Restricted funds - Building Tax reclaimed (Gift Aid) (allocated to Bldg) Payments Expenditure on Charitable Activities All costs to further charity's aims; Restricted Unrestricted Advertising Bank Fees Conferences 1,040 Donations & Gifts 1,070 Honorarium 1,980 Insurance 2,541 Kitchen requisites 288 Literature & Resources 258 Ministry expenses 2,038 Missions 2,000 Outreach Ministry & Hospitality 7,127 Professional Services 1,280 Rent Expense 1,946 Repairs & Maintenance – Building Purchase 24,675 Salaries & Wages 29,162 Salaries & Wages expenses 6,239 Software 100 Subscriptions & Memberships 1,304 Telephone Training 400 Travel & Accommodation 382 Utillities 2,820 Vehicle Fuel Vehicle Maintenance 24,675 61,975 |
2025 2024 Note 1 50,734 38,727 1,330 5,000 2,493 2,000 3 1,937 950 42,309 2 4,858 8,240 3 67,302 91,276 86,650 172,358 4 2025 2024 10 1,040 120 1,070 1,980 384 2,541 2.534 288 258 2,038 2,000 1,869 7,127 2,020 1,280 1,271 1,946 4,343 24,675 112,576 29,162 27,496 6,239 5,808 100 8,009 1,304 1,931 477 400 382 215 2,820 2,752 526 17 86,650 172,358 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 24,675 61,975 |
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Clydesdale Bank , Mintlaw. 90477526 826624
13,393 32,741
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| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Prior | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5. Statement of Balances | funds | funds | 2024 | Period |
| Cash & Bank balances at start of the | ||||
| year | 851 | 31,890 | 32,741 | 113,823 |
| Surplus/(deficit) shown | 4,377 | (23,725) | (19,348) | (81,082) |
| Cash & Bank balances at end of the | ||||
| year | 5,228 | 8,165 | 13,393 | 32,741 |
| Funds table Unrestricted funds Restricted Building |
Balance at 1.4.2024 Receipts Payments Transfers Balance at 31.3.2025 £ £ £ £ 851 66,352 61,975 5,228 31,890 950 24,675 8,165 |
|---|---|
| 32,741 67,302 86,650 13,393 |
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Mintlaw Community Church... .Is made up of dIVIdual$ and familles Irom across die Buclian area. As well as meeting 011 2 Swida!.. -e also meet lli liomes dU]g tlie week alld are VOlVed 2 'ide N-anety OE actii-ities die commumty. Heie are some ot things takll]g place OLI a weekly basis.... Sunday: Service at IL LICBI Commumty Centre - 10.ioam (Clud Lids cliu£ch) Tuesday: Coilliect Groups Wednesday: Prayer JIeetiiig & Contiect Groups Friday: Fuse l.outh Outreach _ fyLICBI Commurnty Centre - 7:JO-9:30pn] Monthly Sheltered Housing Ministry: Abbey Court - IIltida-. Culsl) - New Deer Pastors Stuart & Eisha Watt opening the building oll iith May 2024 13