Charity registration number 1167285 (England and Wales)
Company registration number 09365956
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Directors
Beverley Kafka (Chair)
Roy Balint-Kurti (Treasurer)
Sharon Michael (Secretary)
James Levy
Lesley Urbach
Daniel Porter
Margot Katz
Daniel Epstein
(Appointed 4 July 2024)
Olivia Sopel
(Appointed 4 July 2024)
Secretary
Sharon Michael (Secretary)
Charity number (England and Wales)
1167285
Company number
09365956
Registered office
54a Hutton Grove
London
N12 8DR
Auditor
TTCA Ltd
269 Farnborough Road
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 7LY
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 3
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 7
Statement of financial activities
8
Balance sheet
9
Statement of cash flows
10
Notes to the financial statements
11 - 23
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 1 -

The Directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

 

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 Synagogue's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" 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)".

Objectives and activities

 

The Synagogues objects are to advance the Jewish religion in accordance with the beliefs, tenets and doctrines of Liberal Judaism. The synagogue is a member of Liberal Judaism to which affiliation fees are paid. (In May 2025 it was agreed that Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism would combine and from January 2026 become known as Progressive Judaism).

 

The objectives are achieved by the maintenance of the Synagogue and the provision of religious, educational and other related activities, including: religious services held weekly and on Jewish festivals; religion school; life cycle events and personal support; educational and social programmes throughout the year.

 

In common with all such charities the Synagogue is heavily reliant on contributions made by a large number of members of the congregation who volunteer their time and expertise.

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

Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives

Under the direction of our Rabbi the Synagogue provides a full range of Jewish, religious, social and educational services and activities for its congregation and their families.

 

Rabbi Rebecca Birk has led the community throughout the year assisted by Caroline Bar-Gal

 

Building works

 

After much fund-raising, planning and removal of all synagogue items the building was handed over to the contractors in September 2024 to upgrade both the internal fabric and the outside structure of the building. Most of the funds have been raised though a bank loan and a membership levy are being considered to complete the fund-raising. It is expected that we shall return to our refurbished building in September 2025.

 

During the year out of the building, Friday night services have been held in the Quaker Meeting House in Alexandra Grove with Saturday morning services being held at the Trinity Church and Community Centre in Nether Street. Other events have been held at various locations throughout the Borough. We wish to express our grateful thanks to all involved.

 

Nevertheless, the Council has continued to achieve its stated objectives by providing religious and educational services, and related activities.

 

Public Benefit

 

The Trustees have complied with their duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission.

 

 

 

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Financial review
Reserves policy

The accounts for 2024 are presented within this report. The Trustees are advised, by their accountants, that an audit is once again required this year. The Trustees confirm that the accounts and the related notes comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Synagogue's constitution, and the requirements of the 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 (FRS102).

As at 31 December 2024 the Synagogue held unrestricted general funds of £102,054 (2023: £105,038), unrestricted designated funds of £3,322,338 (2023: £3,322,338) and restricted funds of £1,250,376 (2023: £634,255). The Board believe the financial position remains stable and will continue to monitor costs carefully throughout this difficult economic period.

 

It is the policy of the Synagogue that unrestricted funds 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 Synagogue’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.

Major risks

The Directors has assessed the major risks to which the Synagogue is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Factors likely to affect future financial performance

The remaining growth in restricted funds was due to voluntary community donations, which will be redistributed to specific charities in 2025. Unrestricted funds decreased by £2,984 during the year. The synagogue had a positive movement in net funds of £613,137 in the year (2023: £368,130). The majority of this year’s accumulation of funds was in the restricted funds category which grew by £616,121. This growth was led by donations to the Building Fund of £381,611 which will be used to fund the renovation of the building in Hutton Grove. The remaining decrease in restricted funds was from the redistributions of funds from the community projects. The total of membership fees, gift aid and higher rate tax payers’ claims performed as forecast for the year and grew by 9.6% to £369,059 (2023: £336,551). In total, unrestricted income of £374,013 (2023: £391,254) for the year was down by £17,241 or 4.4%.

Structure, governance and management

 

Following 45 years as an unincorporated entity, the Synagogue was established under a Constitution dated 21st April 1998. The trustees of the unincorporated Finchley Progressive Synagogue (UK registered charity number 1071040) transferred its assets and liabilities to The Finchley Progressive Synagogue (a company limited by guarantee - company number 09365956), (The Company). The limited company also registered as a charity (charity number 1167285) with the Charity Commission in December 2014. The Company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 11 April 2016 (as revised on 7th July 2022).

The Directors who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Beverley Kafka (Chair)
Roy Balint-Kurti (Treasurer)
Sharon Michael (Secretary)
Paula Kinchin-Smith
(Resigned 4 July 2024)
Gordon Greenfield
(Resigned 4 July 2024)
James Levy
Lesley Urbach
Daniel Porter
Margot Katz
Daniel Epstein
(Appointed 4 July 2024)
Olivia Sopel
(Appointed 4 July 2024)
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 3 -
Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The governance of the Company is the responsibility of the Council who are both Directors and Trustees of the charity and who are elected by Synagogue members at the Annual General Meeting. Council members serve up to a three year term before retiring though each Council member is eligible to stand for re-election, once, thereby serving a maximum of two consecutive three years terms.

 

 

None of the Directors have any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Trustees are Directors of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Organisational structure

The synagogue Council is responsible for the general control and management of the Synagogue.

 

The Council meets regularly throughout the year and there are sub-committees and groups that report to Council. In addition the synagogue engages administrative staff who are responsible for the management of the building, day to day finances, and co-ordination of the various activities. All significant operational decisions are made by Council, with certain key decisions approved by the members in open meeting.

Induction and training of Trustees

Following their appointment, new Trustees are introduced to their role and given copies of the Memorandum & Articles of Association and a guide to the policies and procedures adopted by the Company. A number of publications from the Charity Commission are also provided including guidance on charities and public benefit and on the advancement of religion for public benefit. This ensures the new directors are aware of the scope of their responsibilities under the Charities Act.

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that TTCA Ltd be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

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

Beverley Kafka (Chair)
On behalf of the Trustees
10 July 2025
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 4 -

The Directors, who also act as Trustees for the charitable activities of The Finchley Progressive Synagogue , are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

 

Company Law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Synagogue and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

 

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Synagogue will continue in operation.

 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Synagogue and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Synagogue and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Synagogue and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Synagogue will continue in operation.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Synagogue and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Synagogue and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
- 5 -

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Finchley Progressive Synagogue (the ‘Synagogue’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

-

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;

-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Synagogue in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Synagogue’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

-

the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the Trustees' report; or

-

sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or

-

the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or

-

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
- 6 -
Responsibilities of Directors

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees' responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Synagogue’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

 

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience and through discussion with the Trustees and other management (as required by auditing standards), the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably. Firstly the charity is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including related charity legislation) and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items. Secondly, the charity is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statement, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation. We indemnified areas as those most likely to have such an effect: anti bribery and certain aspects of charity legislation.

 

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatement in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as we any audit there remains a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

 

 

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
- 7 -

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

(Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of TTCA Ltd, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
269 Farnborough Road
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 7LY
10 July 2025

TTCA Ltd is eligible for appointment as auditor of the Synagogue by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 8 -
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
320,477
594,439
914,916
307,374
404,118
711,492
Charitable activities
4
48,450
32,402
80,852
76,511
58,747
135,258
Investments
5
5,086
47,015
52,101
7,369
1,087
8,456
Total income
374,013
673,856
1,047,869
391,254
463,952
855,206
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Activities undertaken directly
6
376,997
57,735
434,732
382,292
104,784
487,076
Total expenditure
376,997
57,735
434,732
382,292
104,784
487,076
Net income/(expenditure)
(2,984)
616,121
613,137
8,962
359,168
368,130
Transfers between funds
-
-
-
14,113
(14,113)
-
Net movement in funds
8
(2,984)
616,121
613,137
23,075
345,055
368,130
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
3,427,376
634,255
4,061,631
3,404,301
289,200
3,693,501
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
3,424,392
1,250,376
4,674,768
3,427,376
634,255
4,061,631

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

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 9 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
3,291,478
3,098,986
Current assets
Debtors
13
32,665
48,601
Cash at bank and in hand
1,369,079
1,003,977
1,401,744
1,052,578
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
(18,454)
(89,933)
Net current assets
1,383,290
962,645
Total assets less current liabilities
4,674,768
4,061,631
The funds of the Synagogue
Restricted income funds
16
1,250,376
634,255
Unrestricted funds
18
3,424,392
3,427,376
4,674,768
4,061,631

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2024.

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 under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, 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 Directors on 10 July 2025
Beverley Kafka (Chair)
On behalf of the Trustees
Company registration number 09365956 (England and Wales)
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
21
512,129
413,396
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(199,128)
(83,518)
Investment income received
52,101
8,456
Net cash used in investing activities
(147,027)
(75,062)
Net cash generated from financing activities
-
-
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
365,102
338,334
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,003,977
665,643
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
1,369,079
1,003,977

The notes on pages 11 to 23 form part of these financial statements.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 11 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

The Finchley Progressive Synagogue is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 54a Hutton Grove, London, N12 8DR.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Synagogue'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 Synagogue is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Synagogue. 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 Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Synagogue has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Directors 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 Directors in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.

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.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the Synagogue 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 Synagogue 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 Synagogue 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.

Rental income is recognised over the period on which it is earned.

 

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 12 -
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.

Charitable expenditure comprises all expenditure directly relating to the objectives of the synagogue.

 

Governance costs include audit costs, and legal advice for the trustees and any other costs associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.

 

Support costs - the amounts disclosed under each of the above categories comprise those costs which are directly attributable to that category together with an apportionment of support costs. Support costs are those costs that are not directly attributable to a single activity but provide the necessary organisational support for all the charity's activities. The support costs have been allocated to the charity's activities to which they relate.

 

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

1.6
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold property
Nil
Freehold property under construction
Nil
Fixtures and fittings
20% per annum on a straight-line basis

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

The Board have reviewed tangible fixed assets, which comprise land, building , fixtures and fittings. Where the Board consider that the expected useful life is in excess of 50 years and the carrying value in the financial statements is not more than the estimated recoverable amount, no depreciation has been charged. The Board have and will continue to carry out annual reviews of impairment.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Synagogue reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.8
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.

1.9
Financial instruments

The Synagogue 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 Synagogue's balance sheet when the Synagogue 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 Synagogue’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10
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 Synagogue is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 14 -
2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Synagogue’s accounting policies, the Directors 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
Donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
-
537,927
537,927
357,925
Legacies received
-
-
-
7,500

Grants received

7,711
-
7,711
780

Gross Membership Subscriptions

233,179
21,825
255,004
245,722

Gift Aid and Higher Rate claims

79,368
34,687
114,055
90,829
Donations, including HHD Appeal
219
-
219
8,736
320,477
594,439
914,916
711,492
For the year ended 31 December 2023
307,374
404,118
711,492
Grants receivable for core activities
Other
7,711
-
7,711
780
7,711
-
7,711
780
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 15 -
4
Charitable activities

 

 

2024
2023
£
£

Services and festivals

16,827
10,004

Community projects

15,575
48,743

Ivriah

4,382
3,858

Fundraising

1,689
428

Lettings

35,581
54,045
Other income
6,798
18,180
80,852
135,258
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
48,450
76,511
Restricted funds
32,402
58,747
80,852
135,258
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Unrestricted funds
76,511
Restricted funds
58,747
135,258
5

Investments

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
Interest receivable
5,086
47,015
52,101
8,456
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 16 -
6
Charitable activities

Activities undertaken directly

Activities undertaken directly

2024
2023
£
£

Ministerial departmental costs

2,589
3,755

Ivriah & other educational costs

404
911

Organist, music and HHD costs

716
443

Hospitality

4,049
3,327

Shofar design and printing

5,260
4,836

Liberal Judaism

48,465
46,819

Board of Deputies

1,148
1,657

Burial Scheme

21,825
21,825

Donations to Other Charities

7,687
46,435

Restricted fund outlay

27,202
31,330
Building repairs and renewal expenditure
1,021
17,824
120,366
179,162
Share of support costs (see note 7)
306,206
297,354
Share of governance costs (see note 7)
8,160
10,560
434,732
487,076
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
376,997
382,292
Restricted funds
57,735
104,784
434,732
487,076
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 17 -
7
Support costs allocated to activities
Activities undertaken directly
Total
2024
2023
£
£
Staff costs
217,347
207,294
Depreciation
6,636
6,635
Cleaning, caretaking, housekeeping and garden
6,720
7,529
Insurance, Light and heat,water rates
28,540
25,951
Security gates and costs
5,435
9,589
Repairs and renewal expenditure
9,704
7,337
Miscellaneous expenses
7,193
7,004
Administration and accounting
8,172
5,106
Printing, postage and stationery
4,829
6,714
Telephone
1,865
2,162
Bank charges and interest
3,712
545
Website & Computer running expenses
3,693
11,488
Governance
8,160
10,560
312,006
307,914
2024
2023
Governance costs comprise:
£
£
Audit fees
8,160
8,160
Independent examination fee
-
2,400
8,160
10,560
8
Net movement in funds
2024
2023
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
8,160
8,160
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
6,636
6,635
9
Directors

None of the Directors (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Synagogue during the year.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 18 -
10
Employees

The average monthly number of full time equivalent employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
Religious services
2
2
Administration
2
2
Education
1
1
Total
5
5
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
194,568
186,579
Social security costs
12,377
10,495
Other pension costs
10,402
10,220
217,347
207,294
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:
2024
2023
Number
Number
In the band £80,0001 to £90,000
1
1

Contributions totalling £8,868 (2023: £8,446) were made to defined contribution pension schemes on behalf of employees whose emoluments exceed £80,000 (2023: £80,000)

 

The Trustees, in so far as they are Directors of the company, received neither remuneration nor benefit from the synagogue during the year.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Aggregate compensation
88,684
79,680
11
Taxation

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

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 19 -
12
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold property
Freehold property under construction
Fixtures and fittings
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
3,000,000
82,178
81,803
3,163,981
Additions
-
199,128
-
199,128
At 31 December 2024
3,000,000
281,306
81,803
3,363,109
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
-
-
64,995
64,995
Depreciation charged in the year
-
-
6,636
6,636
At 31 December 2024
-
-
71,631
71,631
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
3,000,000
281,306
10,172
3,291,478
At 31 December 2023
3,000,000
82,178
16,808
3,098,986

 

The freehold land and building comprise the synagogue at 54a Hutton Grove, London N12 8DR.

13
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Other debtors
32,665
48,601
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Other taxation and social security
4,099
3,472
Other creditors
5,519
77,569
Accruals and deferred income
8,836
8,892
18,454
89,933
15
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
10,402
10,220
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
15
Retirement benefit schemes
(Continued)
- 20 -

The Synagogue operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Synagogue in an independently administered fund.

16
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Movement in funds
Balance at
1 January 2024
Incoming resources

Resources expended

Investment income

Balance at
31 December 2024
£
£
£
£
£
Funeral Expenses Fund
103,978
10,743
(6,050)
1,124
109,795
President's Fund
6,229
-
(550)
117
5,796
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
12,948
1,690
(885)
-
13,753
HHD Appeal Fund
11,723
2,515
(7,687)
-
6,551
Other Voluntary Charitable Funds
55,248
17,454
(19,717)
-
52,985
Ground Fees
-
21,825
(21,825)
-
-
Building Development Fund
444,129
572,614
(1,021)
45,774
1,061,496
634,255
626,841
(57,735)
47,015
1,250,376

The Funeral Expenses Fund is an optional fund (separate from the ground fee, as below) for members who wish to cover their funeral expenses such as moving the body from the place of death to the mortuary, and then to Edgwarebury or Hoop Lane for the funeral;

 

The President’s Fund was set-up 40 years ago and invites donations to help enable those synagogue youth who could not otherwise afford the full cost of attending peer group activities in the wider community, such as Israel tours and Kadimah holiday camp, to attend;

 

The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund receives occasional receipts from members, which are distributed in confidence by the Rabbi according to deserving financial or social circumstances;

 

The HHD Appeal Fund collects and distributes the money donated towards that years' designated charities;

 

Other Voluntary Charitable Funds refer to those donations members make in addition to their membership fee, such as to the Board of Deputies, New Israel Fund and the Mogilev community in Belarus.

 

The Ground Fee is collected on behalf of Liberal Judaism and is a mandatory fee in addition to the membership fee. It covers the right to either be buried in a plot at Edgwarebury Lane cemetery or to be cremated at Hoop Lane crematorium.

 

Inspired by the Synagogue's 70th Anniversary in 2023, the Building Development Fund has been set-up to enable an overhaul of the roof, replace tired fixtures, utilize the space available as well as bring the building up-to-date with regards to environmental requirements and desires.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 21 -
17
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets
3,291,478
-
3,291,478
Current assets/(liabilities)
132,914
1,250,376
1,383,290
3,424,392
1,250,376
4,674,768
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
At 31 December 2023:
Tangible assets
3,098,986
-
3,098,986
Current assets/(liabilities)
328,390
634,255
962,645
3,427,376
634,255
4,061,631
18
Designated 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.

Movement in funds
Transfer in at 1 January 2021
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Balance at 31 December 2024
£
£
£
£
Legacy Reserve Fund
312,552
-
-
312,552
Premises Fund
3,000,000
-
-
3,000,000
National Lottery
9,786
-
-
9,786
3,322,338
-
-
3,322,338

Legacy Reserve Fund

 

The remaining designated fund arises from bequests under the 2011 Will of Margit Landon and under the 2015 Will of Maurice Needleman for a total £312,522. The trustees continue to discuss the most appropriate ways spending such designated funds though some will be donated towards the building fund.

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
18
Designated funds
(Continued)
- 22 -

Premises Fund

 

This fund relates to the value of the synagogue's land and buildings at 54a Hutton Grove London N12 8DR, as valued by Martin Gerrard, Estate Agents, in July 2017. The directors' are comfortable with the current valuation considering today's market however a fresh valuation, once the refurbished building has been completed, will be sought.

National Lottery Fund

 

This fund relates to a grant received for £9,786 from the National Lottery for our inter-community work. Due to Covid this project has yet to be started and may involve some change in its outreach presentation.

 

 

19
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

All congregants pay £48.50 per year towards the Liberal Judaism Burial Scheme, which covers the right to be buried or have a cremation. Additionally, some congregants join the FPS Funeral Expenses Scheme (£25 per person per year, or £40 for joint members) which means they are covered for the expense incurred, such as having a hearse and/or moving the body from the place of death to the mortuary, and then to Edgwarebury or to Hoop Lane. That basic expense is currently £740. Sometimes, there are extra costs, such as doctors fees, which are not covered by the Scheme and so are payable by the deceased's estate.

 

With around 200 congregants currently in the FPS Funeral Expenses Scheme it is estimated that the Synagogue has a contingent liability of (200 x £740 = say) £150,000 albeit that under normal circumstances this full liability is highly unlikely to crystallise in any one year.

 

It should also be noted that once Progressive Judaism has come into being, in January 2026, the funeral administration and financial arrangements will be reviewed, possibly leading to cheaper costs.

20
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year.

 

21
Cash generated from operations
2024
2023
£
£
Surplus for the year
613,137
368,130
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(52,101)
(8,456)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
6,636
6,635
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
15,936
(23,399)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(71,479)
70,486
Cash generated from operations
512,129
413,396
THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 23 -
22
Analysis of changes in net funds

The Synagogue had no material debt during the year.

2024-12-312024-01-01falsefalseCCH SoftwareiXBRL Review & Tag 2025.2093659562024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Director12024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Director22024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:CompanySecretary12024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Director42024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Director52024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Director62024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Director72024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Director82024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Director92024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:CompanySecretary22024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Director32024-01-012024-12-31093659562024-12-31093659562023-12-31093659562023-01-012023-12-3109365956bus:FRS1022024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:Audited2024-01-012024-12-3109365956bus:FullAccounts2024-01-012024-12-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP