REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128818
Report of the Trustees and Un-audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2023
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Christopher Punt MAAT
Ashcroft, Mill Common Westhall , Suffolk IP19 8RF
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Contents of the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 4 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 14 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 15 to 16 |
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Page 1
Report of the Trustees For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (the FRSSE) (effective 1[st] January 2015).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims -
St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church buildings of St. Michael’s and the surrounding churchyard and the Church buildings of St. Luke’s.
In planning the Church’s activities the members of the PCC kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
RECTOR’S REPORT
Position Vacant as at 31[st] December 2023, therefore no Rector’s report.
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Page 2
Report of the Trustees
For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The charity had a Loss for the year of £59,485 (2022: Surplus £114,876). This was after taking into account a realised loss of £1,651 on fixed asset investments, which results in a Loss for the year of £57,834 on church operations.
The charity’s fund balances at 31[st] December 2023 were £150,937 (2022: £210,422) and comprised unrestricted funds of £13,635 (2022: £11,401) and restricted funds of £137,302 (2022: £199,021).
Reserves Policy
Currently there is no reserve’s policy, the majority of the unrestricted fund is taken up by the Parish Share. A reserve policy would be made if the PCC became aware of any future specific liability requiring one.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Parochial Church Council powers measure (1956) as amended and church representation rules.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustees are appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting. Retiring trustees are eligible for re-election. Any vacancies arising, between the AGM’s may be filled by the committee. At the AGM following their appointment they will be eligible to stand for election as a trustee.
Induction and training of new trustees
Upon appointment an informal meeting with the new trustee is held to discuss the charity’s history and procedures. Training for trustees is arranged as and when required.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Registered Charity Number
1128818
Principal address
The Parish Office St. Luke’s Centre, 61 Rigbourne Hill, Beccles Suffolk NR34 9JQ
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Page 3
Report of the Trustees For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS Trustees
The Parish of Beccles Parochial Church Council currently consists of seven Church Wardens, four Deanery Synod Representatives, twelve Elected Members and the Ex Officio Members.
During the year the following served as members of the PCC:
Chair Position Vacant as at 31[st] December 2023 Church Wardens Phil Filer Peter Hobbs Susan Son Charles Detheridge Fran Tuck Ben Blower Roger Bennett Vacancy Deanery Synod Representative Terri Parker Joan Pryce Janet Fisher Faith D’Arch Elected Members Amanda Puxley Brenda Beaumont Mark Lowther (Treasurer) Kathy Owen John Rutter Caroline Carvosso Karen Hall (Minute Secretary) Judy Thacker (Treasurer and PSO) Ann Eckersley Janet Barker Caroline Smith Sheila Beedham Vacancies (2) Ex-officio Members Faith Darch (Reader) Phil Cudmore (Clergy) Mark Bee (Clergy) Doreen Page (Reader) Claire Kiddy (Clergy) Jayne Hollingsworth (Treasurer) Kate Cracknell (Youth &Young Adults) Serena Emberley (Parish Safeguarding Officer) Vacancy (Representative for Children & Young People
Independent examiner
Christopher Punt MAAT Ashcroft Mill Common Westhall IP19 8RF
Page 4
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Report of the Trustees For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2022
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Charitable Status
A parish within the Church of England and the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
Bankers
Lloyds Bank plc CCLA Fund Managers Ltd 47 London Road North Senator House Lowestoft 85 Queen Victoria Street Suffolk London NR32 1BL EC4V 4ET
Approved by order of the board of trustees on and signed on its behalf by:
Churchwardens
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Page 5
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023 set out on pages six to sixteen.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act) and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, the following has come to my attention
The accounting statements prepared on pages 6 to 16 represent the accounting affairs of the Parish of Beccles St. Luke’s and St. Michael’s Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31[st] December 2023. The accounting records were compiled using a transactional Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to trial balance level and underpin the PCC’s work and accounting statements for 2023.
Christopher Punt MAAT Ashcroft Mill Common Westhall Suffolk IP19 8RF
The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's
Page 6
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies Charitable activities Church activities Other trading activities 2 Investment income 3 Total EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds Charitable activities Church activities Total NET INCOME/(EXPDENDITURE) Other recognised gains(losses) Gains/(losses) on investments/ assets Net movement in funds RECONCILICATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted funds £ 93,855 13,911 7,208 1,609 116,582 620 113,728 114,348 2,235 - 2,235 23,649 25,884 |
Restricted funds £ 97,106 - - - 97,106 - 157,175 157,175 (60,069) (1,651) (61,720) 58,833 (2,887) |
31.12.23 Total funds £ 190,961 13,911 7,208 1,609 213,689 620 270,903 271,523 (57,835) (1,651) (59,485) 210,422 150,937 |
31.12.22 Total funds £ 237,410 21,426 3,850 192 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 262,878 2,331 138,903 |
||||
| 141,234 | ||||
| 121,644 (6,768) |
||||
| 114,876 95,546 |
||||
| 210,422 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's
Page 7
Balance Sheet
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets 8 Investments 9 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand 12 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 11 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 12 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted funds £ - - 0 10,750 2,885 13,635 - 13,635 13,635 13,635 |
Restricted funds £ 0 5,342 5,342 - 131,959 131,959 - 131,959 137,302 137,302 |
31.12.23 Total funds £ 0 5,342 5,342 10,750 134,844 145,594 0 145,594 150,937 150,937 13,635 137,302 150,937 |
31.12.22 Total funds £ 1,681 5,312 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,993 11,000 192,429 |
||||
| 203,429 0 |
||||
| 203,429 | ||||
| 210,422 | ||||
| 210,422 | ||||
| 11,401 199,021 |
||||
| 210,422 |
The finanacial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on --/--/2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
Roger Bennett - Trustee
Mrs. J Hollingsworth - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's
Page 8
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity have been prepared in accordance with the charities SORP (FRSSE) Accounting and Reporting by Charities:Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (the FRSSE) effective January 2015), the Charities Act 2011 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of investements which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible by law. They do not include the accounts of Church groups that own their main affilication to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of the Church members.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlements to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible Fixed Assets
Depreciaton is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
- Straight line over 4 years.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanantion of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
| 2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Miscellaneous Bookstall Events Catering The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's |
31.12.23 £ - - 7,208 - 7,208 |
31.12.22 £ 0 - 3,582 - |
|---|---|---|
| 3,582 | ||
| Page 9 |
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| 3. INVESTMENT INCOME | 31.12.23 | 31.12.22 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Interest and dividends | 1,609 | 81 |
| 4. TRUSTEE'S REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS | ||
| No Trustees received remuneration or benefits. | ||
| 5. STAFF COSTS | ||
| The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: | 31.12.23 | 31.12.22 |
| Staff | 4 | 4 |
| No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 | ||
| Included in wages and salaries is the PCC contribution to the Diocese towards the Parish Administration | ||
| salary. |
6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted funds £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 82,293 Charitable activities Church activities 21,426 Other trading activities 3,850 Investment income 192 Total 107,761 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 2,331 Charitable activities Church activities 107,559 Total 109,890 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (2,129) Transfers between funds 0 Other recognised gains/(losses) Gains/(losses) on investment assets 0 The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's |
Restricted funds £ 155,117 0 0 0 155,117 0 31,344 31,344 123,773 0 (6,769) |
Total funds £ 237,410 21,426 3,850 192 |
|---|---|---|
| 262,878 2,331 138,903 |
||
| 141,234 121,644 0 |
||
| (6,769) Page 10 |
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
| Net movement in funds RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted funds £ (2,129) 13,530 11,401 |
Restricted funds £ 117,004 82,016 199,020 |
Total funds £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 114,875 95,546 |
|||
| 210,421 |
7. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REMUNERATION
During the year the charity was charged £250 for the annual independent examination.
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| LE FIXED ASSETS | |
|---|---|
| COST At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2023 Charge for year At 31 December 2023 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2022 |
Fixtures fittings and equipment £ 41,634 (39,953) (1,681) |
| (41,634) | |
| 0 | |
| 1,681 |
Consecrated property and movable church furnishings
Consecrated and beneficial property of any kind is not included in the accounts in accordance with s10(2)c of the Charities Act 2011.
Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed on the church's inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 2001 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1 January 2001 will be capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their anticipated useful economic life.
All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficial buildings, individual items under £1,000 or on the repair of movable church furnishings acquired before 1 January 2000 are written off.
The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's
Page 11
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
9. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| SSET INVESTMENTS | |
|---|---|
| Listed | |
| Investments | |
| £ | |
| MARKET VALUE | |
| As 1 January 2023 | 5,312 |
| Disposals | - |
| Revaluations | 30 |
| At 31 December 2023 | 5,342 |
| NET BOOK VALUE | |
| At 31 December 2022 | 5,312 |
| At 31 December 2023 | 5,342 |
There were no investment assets outside the UK.
| Investment holdings Central Board of Finance of the Church of England Investment Fund 0 shares COIF Charity Funds (Beccles Clerk's Piece Charity) - 53.22 shares St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan Board of Financ (Banham Fabric Fund Trust ) - 388 shares St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan Board of Finance (Rideal Fabric Fund Trust ) - 3,000 shares 2.5% Consol for the Rector 2.5% Consol for the Choir Poors Pightle, Hermitage and Bridge Street Lloyds Banking Group plc - 8 shares 10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors (Gift Aid Rebate 2023) 3-1/2% War Stock for the Fabric Fund |
31.12.23 0 1,001 614 3,000 - - - 723 4 5,342 31.12.23 £ 10,750 |
31.12.22 0 971 614 3,000 - - - 723 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,312 | ||
| 31.12.22 £ 11,000 |
The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's
Page 12
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| TORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bank loans and overdrafts Trade creditors Other creditors |
31.12.23 £ - - - 0 |
31.12.22 £ - - - |
| 0 |
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Cremation plot Undercroft reorder Offertory bags St Michaels Restoration appeal St Lukes Fabric Fund and Development Charity fund Legacies Legacy investment fund/Depreciation Organ Fees Music Keyboard St Lukes Building and Development St Michaels Building and Development Community Fund Thirst youth group Austin Bates Music Fund Parish Pantry Refurbishment fund Womans Fellowship Get a Life Gang Youth Pastor Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.23 11,402 - - - 1,405 7,558 - - 6,993 - 16,014 25,674 8,589 14,312 102,872 897 - - - 14,707 199,020 210,422 |
Net movement in funds 2,235 - - - - - - - (1,651) - (4,588) (4,489) (653) (1,555) (35,837) (394) - - - (12,553) (61,720) (59,485) |
Transfers between funds - - - - - - - - - - - - (2,000) - (5,000) 2,000 - - - 5,000 - - |
At 31.12.23 13,637 - - - 1,405 7,558 - - 5,342 - 11,426 21,185 5,936 12,757 62,035 2,503 - - - 7,153 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 137,300 | ||||
| 150,937 |
The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's
Page 13
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restoration appeal Fabric fund St Lukes Development St Michaels Development Organ Fees Music/Keyboard Community Fund Youth Pastor Thirst youth group Childrens Youth Worker Austin Bates Music Fund Parish Pantry Get a Life Gang Legacy investment fund/Depreciation TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 116,582 - - 124 75,501 - 4,083 10,746 - - 2,646 4,006 - - 97,106 213,689 |
Resources expended £ (114,348) - - (4,711) (79,990) - (6,736) (18,300) (1,555) - (43,483) (2,400) - - (157,175) (271,523) |
Gains and losses £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - (1,651) (1,651) (1,651) |
Movement in funds £ 2,235 - - (4,588) (4,489) - (2,653) (7,553) (1,555) - (40,837) 1,606 - (1,651) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (61,720) | ||||
| (59,485) |
The fabric funds are for the repair and maintenance of the fabric, fixtures and fittings of the church buildings
The St.Michael's development fund is for the development of the facilities at St. Michael's church, including specifically the church and undercroft fixtures and fittings.
The St. Luke's development fund is for the development of the fixtures and fittngs at St. Luke's church and hall complex.
The holdings funds are for either i) funds which await final classification or ii) funds which have been received but which do not belong to the PCC and which are held pending payment to their rightful beneficiary.
The legacy investment fund was created upon receiving shares as part of a bequest and is to be used for St. Michael's Church, Beccles absolutely.
The Thirst Youth Club from 1st January 2024 the Accounting and Governance of the Youth Club has been transferred to the Youth Club from the Parochial Church Council.
Other restricted funds are for the purpose described above.
The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's
Page 14
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions, with the exception of those noted in salaries and expenses, for the year ended 31st December, 2023 nor the year ended 31st December 2022.
The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's
Page 15
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| 31.12.23 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS £ Donations and legacies Gift Day(s) 2,784 Donations - inc. Starkness of the cross, Fair Trade, Friends of St. Michaels 50,782 Gift Aid Reclaimed (HMRC) 16,753 Grants 46,412 Gift Aid - Planned Giving 55,901 Collections including open plate, wall box 12,049 Other income inc. Missionary Giving, DCMS Scheme, Furlough 5,748 Legacies 533 VAT Claim 0 190,961 Other trading activities Sundry Income- Inc. Printing, PCC Reimbursements 1,171 Bookstall 0 Fund Raising Activities 6,037 Catering 0 7,208 Investment income Interest and dividends 1,609 Charitable activities Church fees (weddings, memorial and funeral) 7,015 Rent from lettings of St. Michaels and St. Lukes 6,896 13,911 Total Incoming Resources 213,689 EXPENDITURE Raising donations and legacies Catering 0 Fund Raising Activities 620 Miscellaneous 0 620 Charitable activities Saff Salaries and Parish Administrator 21,539 Insurance 7,045 Telephone and Internet 2,026 Parish Office Costs, postage and stationery 3,606 Rent 0 Missionary and Charitable giving / Donations 4,453 Parish Share 44,500 Carried forward 83,169 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements The Parish of Beccles St Michael's & St Luke's |
31.12.22 £ 0 9,439 18,530 14,600 62,640 16,207 4,603 111,391 0 |
|---|---|
| 237,410 0 0 3,850 0 |
|
| 3,850 192 9,724 11,702 |
|
| 21,426 | |
| 262,878 0 2,331 0 |
|
| 2,331 19,903 6,684 1,798 2,017 0 3,677 58,691 92,769 Page 16 |
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| Charitable activities Brought forward Clergy expenses and fees including Parochial fees to DBF Service costs Church Running, Utilities, Fabric Maintenance and Restoration Equipment, Furniture, Plant and Machinery Note 1 Sundry Expenses, Fees and Stationery inc Parish Pantry Organ Maintenance Lease of Photocopier Architect Fees Restoration of St. Michaels Youth Club Note 2 Support costs Governance costs Accountancy and legal fees Bank Transfer Total resources expended Net (expenditure)/income before gains and losses Realised recognised gains and losses Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset investments Net (expenditure)/income |
31.12.23 £ 83,169 7,220 4,410 117,187 30,291 17,899 2,389 3,981 2,554 1,555 270,653 250 0 271,523 (57,835) (1,651) (59,485) |
31.12.22 £ 92,769 5,978 1,012 26,111 3,534 15,814 367 4,159 492 -11,584 |
|---|---|---|
| 138,653 250 0 |
||
| 141,234 121,644 (6,769) - |
||
| 114,876 |
-
Notes :- 1. Includes purchase of a new Audio and Electrical Sound System £28,868
-
First Youth club to be governed independently of the Parish Church from 1st January 2024
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128818
Report of the Trustees and Un-audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2023
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Christopher Punt MAAT
Ashcroft, Mill Common Westhall , Suffolk IP19 8RF
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Contents of the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 4 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 14 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 15 to 16 |
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Page 1
Report of the Trustees For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (the FRSSE) (effective 1[st] January 2015).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims -
St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church buildings of St. Michael’s and the surrounding churchyard and the Church buildings of St. Luke’s.
In planning the Church’s activities the members of the PCC kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
RECTOR’S REPORT
Position Vacant as at 31[st] December 2023, therefore no Rector’s report.
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Page 2
Report of the Trustees
For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The charity had a Loss for the year of £59,485 (2022: Surplus £114,876). This was after taking into account a realised loss of £1,651 on fixed asset investments, which results in a Loss for the year of £57,834 on church operations.
The charity’s fund balances at 31[st] December 2023 were £150,937 (2022: £210,422) and comprised unrestricted funds of £13,635 (2022: £11,401) and restricted funds of £137,302 (2022: £199,021).
Reserves Policy
Currently there is no reserve’s policy, the majority of the unrestricted fund is taken up by the Parish Share. A reserve policy would be made if the PCC became aware of any future specific liability requiring one.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Parochial Church Council powers measure (1956) as amended and church representation rules.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustees are appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting. Retiring trustees are eligible for re-election. Any vacancies arising, between the AGM’s may be filled by the committee. At the AGM following their appointment they will be eligible to stand for election as a trustee.
Induction and training of new trustees
Upon appointment an informal meeting with the new trustee is held to discuss the charity’s history and procedures. Training for trustees is arranged as and when required.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Registered Charity Number
1128818
Principal address
The Parish Office St. Luke’s Centre, 61 Rigbourne Hill, Beccles Suffolk NR34 9JQ
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Page 3
Report of the Trustees For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS Trustees
The Parish of Beccles Parochial Church Council currently consists of seven Church Wardens, four Deanery Synod Representatives, twelve Elected Members and the Ex Officio Members.
During the year the following served as members of the PCC:
Chair Position Vacant as at 31[st] December 2023 Church Wardens Phil Filer Peter Hobbs Susan Son Charles Detheridge Fran Tuck Ben Blower Roger Bennett Vacancy Deanery Synod Representative Terri Parker Joan Pryce Janet Fisher Faith D’Arch Elected Members Amanda Puxley Brenda Beaumont Mark Lowther (Treasurer) Kathy Owen John Rutter Caroline Carvosso Karen Hall (Minute Secretary) Judy Thacker (Treasurer and PSO) Ann Eckersley Janet Barker Caroline Smith Sheila Beedham Vacancies (2) Ex-officio Members Faith Darch (Reader) Phil Cudmore (Clergy) Mark Bee (Clergy) Doreen Page (Reader) Claire Kiddy (Clergy) Jayne Hollingsworth (Treasurer) Kate Cracknell (Youth &Young Adults) Serena Emberley (Parish Safeguarding Officer) Vacancy (Representative for Children & Young People
Independent examiner
Christopher Punt MAAT Ashcroft Mill Common Westhall IP19 8RF
Page 4
The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Report of the Trustees For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2022
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Charitable Status
A parish within the Church of England and the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
Bankers
Lloyds Bank plc CCLA Fund Managers Ltd 47 London Road North Senator House Lowestoft 85 Queen Victoria Street Suffolk London NR32 1BL EC4V 4ET
Approved by order of the board of trustees on and signed on its behalf by:
Churchwardens
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Parish of Beccles St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s
Page 5
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023 set out on pages six to sixteen.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act) and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, the following has come to my attention
The accounting statements prepared on pages 6 to 16 represent the accounting affairs of the Parish of Beccles St. Luke’s and St. Michael’s Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31[st] December 2023. The accounting records were compiled using a transactional Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to trial balance level and underpin the PCC’s work and accounting statements for 2023.
Christopher Punt MAAT Ashcroft Mill Common Westhall Suffolk IP19 8RF