Charity registration number 1151147
Company registration number 08310740 (England and Wales)
FOREST GATE CHURCH
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
FOREST GATE CHURCH
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mr K Jones
Mrs H R Bird
(Appointed 19 April 2023)
Mrs S B Gibson
(Appointed 19 April 2023)
Mrs S L Jones
(Appointed 24 May 2023)
Secretary
Mr K Jones
Charity number
1151147
Company number
08310740
Registered office
Youth and Community Building
New Road
Mitcheldean
Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
GL17 0BX
Independent examiner
Edward Richards
Thorne & Co
1 St Mary's Street
Ross-on-Wye
Herefordshire
England
HR9 5HT
FOREST GATE CHURCH
CONTENTS
Page
Chairman's Report
1 - 2
Trustees' report
3 - 4
Independent examiner's report
5
Statement of financial activities
6
Balance sheet
7
Statement of cash flows
8
Notes to the financial statements
9 - 16
FOREST GATE CHURCH
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 1 -
FOREST GATE CHURCH
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 2 -
..............................
Keith Jones
Chairman
FOREST GATE CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 3 -

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

To advance the Christian Faith for the benefit of the public in accordance with the statement of beliefs in such ways and in such parts of England and Wales or the World as the directors may from time to time think fit. To advance education in such ways and in such parts of England and Wales or the World as the directors from time to time may think fit. To relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of England and Wales or the World as the directors from time to time think fit.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
Financial review
Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The governing document of the charity is the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association. The business of the company is managed by a Council of Management. Members of the Council of Management are the trustees of the charity.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr K Jones
Mrs P Britton
(Resigned 24 May 2023)
Mrs M Hewis
(Resigned 22 May 2024)
Mr S P Jones
(Resigned 22 May 2024)
Mr W W Hewis
(Resigned 24 May 2023)
Mrs H R Bird
(Appointed 19 April 2023)
Mrs S B Gibson
(Appointed 19 April 2023)
Mrs S L Jones
(Appointed 24 May 2023)
FOREST GATE CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 4 -
Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Forest Gate Church recognises that an effective board of trustees is essential if the charity is to be effective in achieving its objects. Forest Gate Church is committed to be representative of the people with whom the charity works and have available to it all of the knowledge and skills required to run the charity. Individual trustees must have sufficient knowledge both of trusteeship in general and of the Charity's activities to enable them to carry out their role and to represent the Charity at meetings and other events.

 

Forest Gate Church operates an open recruitment process and the constitution allows any of our members to nominate candidates for trusteeship at the AGM. Trustees may also be co-opted.

 

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to follow the CBI's Prompt Payers Code (copies are available from the CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU).

 

The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to:

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr K Jones
Trustee
14 November 2024
FOREST GATE CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF FOREST GATE CHURCH
- 5 -

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Forest Gate Church (the charity) for the year ended 30 November 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2

the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3

the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Edward Richards

FCCA

Thorne & Co
1 St Mary's Street
Ross-on-Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 5HT
England
Dated: 14 November 2024
FOREST GATE CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 6 -
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
55,219
52,827
Charitable activities
4
3,470
276
Investments
5
606
66
Other income
6
-
2,900
Total income
59,295
56,069
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
7
53,276
61,466
Other expenditure
12
232
639
Total expenditure
53,508
62,105
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
5,787
(6,036)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 December 2022
102,741
108,777
Fund balances at 30 November 2023
108,528
102,741

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

FOREST GATE CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
30 NOVEMBER 2023
30 November 2023
- 7 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Current assets
Debtors
15
-
1
Cash at bank and in hand
108,967
101,447
108,967
101,448
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
16
(439)
1,293
Net current assets
108,528
102,741
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
17
108,528
102,741
108,528
102,741

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 30 November 2023.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 14 November 2024
Mr K Jones
Trustee
Company registration number 08310740 (England and Wales)
FOREST GATE CHURCH
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 8 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations
19
6,914
(8,712)
Investing activities
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
2,900
Investment income received
606
66
Net cash generated from investing activities
606
2,966
Net cash used in financing activities
-
-
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
7,520
(5,746)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
101,447
107,193
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
108,967
101,447
FOREST GATE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 9 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Forest Gate Church is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Youth and Community Building, New Road, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0BX, United Kingdom.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
FOREST GATE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 10 -
1.5
Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

 

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.7
Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

FOREST GATE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 11 -
1.8
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Donations and gifts
4,720
5,320
Legacies
50,499
47,507
55,219
52,827
Donations and gifts
Gift Aid
4,720
5,320
4,720
5,320
Legacies
Covenants and collections
50,499
47,507
50,499
47,507
FOREST GATE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 12 -
4
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Charitable activities
Events
2,839
-
Charitable rental income
411
201
Gifts
220
75
3,470
276
5
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Bank interest
606
66
6
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
2,900
FOREST GATE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 13 -
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
Heading #ac982
Heading #ac982
2023
2022
£
£
Direct costs
Insurance
1,024
983
Light and heat
2,173
2,204
Telephone
364
793
Stationery
934
5,202
Sundry expenses
(858)
1,951
Motor and travel
1,844
663
Repairs
4,862
3,558
Training
1,016
1,448
Accountancy
354
354
Wages
19,583
25,821
Sermon expenses
1,188
1,272
Banners
5,479
-
Speakers
600
700
Rates and water
185
167
38,748
45,116
Grant funding of activities (see note 8)
14,528
16,350
53,276
61,466
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
53,276
61,466
8
Grants payable
Heading #ac982
Heading #ac982
2023
2022
£
£
Grants to institutions:
Other
14,528
16,350
-
9
Net movement in funds
2023
2022
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Loss/(profit) on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
(2,900)
FOREST GATE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 14 -
10
Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
11
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2023
2022
Number
Number
Worship Leaders
2
2
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

12
Other expenditure
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Young people
232
639
13
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14
Limited by Guarantee

The company is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital. Each of it's members is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the company in the event of liquidation.

15
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
-
1
FOREST GATE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 15 -
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
£
£
Trade creditors
-
(2,683)
Accruals and deferred income
439
1,390
439
(1,293)
17
Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 December 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 30 November 2023
£
£
£
£
General funds
102,741
59,295
(53,508)
108,528
Previous year:
At 1 December 2021
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 30 November 2022
£
£
£
£
General funds
108,777
56,069
(62,105)
102,741
18
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).

19
Cash generated from operations
2023
2022
£
£
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
5,787
(6,036)
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(606)
(66)
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
(2,900)
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
1
(1)
Increase in creditors
1,732
291
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations
6,914
(8,712)
FOREST GATE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 16 -
20
Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.

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