SOUTH STREET FREE CHURCH
An evangelical church in Eastbourne, holding morning & evening services each Sunday, & a mid-week prayer meeting. Before COVID-19 restrictions, we took services in four local care homes, had two regular home groups, a monthly Seniors' lunch, & youth group. We are part of the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion. We support a missionary in Moldova, & various local, national & overseas Christian work.
Financial health, per its FY2026 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net surplus of £3,902 for the year ended 30 June 2026, resulting in cash funds of £32,238. The trustees confirm that the reserves policy of holding at least three months of annual expenditure is being met, as the current balance exceeds the required threshold based on the year's expenditure.
What the accounts disclose
“David Batchelor received a salary of £36,515 (2025: £34,879) and the church paid pension contributions of £4,076 (2025: £3,778), in his role as Pastor of the Church.”
“The Church has a reserves policy of ensuring at least three months of annual expenditure is held in reserve, in order for the church to be able to meet its financial commitments to its paid employee(s).” — page 5
“David Batchelor received a salary of £36,515 (2025: £34,879) and the church paid pension contributions of £4,076 (2025: £3,778), in his role as Pastor of the Church.”
“Donations from trustees, and related parties, were £15,725 during the year (2025: £12,565). David Batchelor received a salary of £36,515 (2025: £34,879) and the church paid pension contributions of £4,076 (2025: £3,778), in his role as Pastor of the Church.” — page 9
“The daughter of trustee David Batchelor received payments amounting to £389 (2025: £1,638) for cleaning during the year.” — page 9
“Donations from trustees, and related parties, were £15,725 during the year (2025: £12,565). David Batchelor received a salary of £36,515 (2025: £34,879) and the church paid pension contributions of £4,076 (2025: £3,778), in his role as Pastor of the Church.” — page 9
“The daughter of trustee David Batchelor received payments amounting to £389 (2025: £1,638) for cleaning during the year.” — page 9
Year-over-year changes
- Top pay band moved from £34,879 (FY2025) to £36,515 (FY2026).
Trustees
- David Philip Batchelorchair
- Anthony John Thompson
- Bruce William Elkington
- Dr Akinsola Akinpelu
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/06/2026 | £79k | £75k |
| 30/06/2025 | £94k | £96k |
| 30/06/2024 | £81k | £100k |
| 30/06/2023 | £81k | £104k |
| 30/06/2022 | £106k | £86k |
Common questions
Is SOUTH STREET FREE CHURCH financially healthy?
Per its FY2026 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net surplus of £3,902 for the year ended 30 June 2026, resulting in cash funds of £32,238. The trustees confirm that the reserves policy of holding at least three months of annual expenditure is being met, as the current balance exceeds the required threshold based on the year's expenditure. Its FY2026 accounts were independently examined.
What does the highest-paid employee of SOUTH STREET FREE CHURCH earn?
Per its FY2026 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £36,515 band.