THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Legal and Administration information Trustees Ai)nual Report Statement of financial Activities 13 Bal8nce Sheet 14 Note5 to the Accounts 15 Independent Exaininerfs Report 25
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS LANCASTER Legal and Administrative Information The plS11 of St Thomas LanGastei', Diocese of Blackbum (Chw'ch of Englaiid) Church Office The Centi'e at St Thomas. Church, Marton Sts'eet, Lancaster LA I IXX Tel. 01524 590 410 Bankers BaTclays Bank, 38 Market Streel, Lancaster LA I I HR Indepedent Examiner of the accoullts CWR, Chaitered Accountants, 20 Mannin Way. Lancaster Business Park, Caton Road, Lancastei.. LAI 3SW Legal officer The Diocesan Registrar, Diocesan Registry, Napthens, Danven House, Walker Office Pai'k, Blackbuin, BBI 2QE
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOlktAS LANCASTER ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEI AR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTIUTION Charity Status and local Chai'ities ivith wbich the PCC interAets The Pai-ochkal Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates undei. the P-0¢h1al Chui'¢h Council Powers Measure and as a chai'ity is registered with the Charity Commission. charity number 113 0550. The PCC has no other charities under its control. The PCC pays Pai'ish ShaiE, at a level set by tlie Diocesan Synod, to the Blackburn Diocesan Borjrd of Fip7ance Ltd (Registered ch'ity) to provide the stipends for the clergy, support othei. pai'ishes in the diocese, pay for vicarage repairs. pay foi. the central work of the B1kburn Diocese and the national woi'k of the Church of England. Members of the PCC These are either ex-offtcio or elected according to Church Representation rules at the Annual Pai'ochidl Chui'Lh Meeting {APCM}. The Chui'chwardens are Ghosen by the Vicar and those present at a Meeting of Parishioners, held immediately before the APCM. Licep7sed Clergy.. Vicar: Curate.. Cui'ate.. Revd Mai'k Bradford (fi'om Sepi 2023) Malt Guilder (until October 2023) Angela Letchford (from July 2020) Chui'chwardens.. Sim Lane-Dixon (to APCM 2023) Mark Shackleton (fi'oin APCM 2023) Natasha Ashbi'idge (from APCM 2022) Represenfalives on Diocesa17 Synod12021-2924) Derek Matthews (to May 2023) Representatives on Ihe Deonery Synod (5 lemberS) lo APCM 2026.. Jill Bundy fi'om APCIM 2023 MY-Jayne Cartel fi'om APCM 2023 Gi'egoi. Smith from APCIM 2023 Kevin Glazebrook fi'om APCM 2023 Phil Shentall from APCM 2023 Ele¢led members (12 pnembei"s). TO APCM 2026 Hannah Alliso Bai'ry Lucas Keilli Robinson Geoff Ti'ininell from APCM 2023 from APCM 2023 from APCM 2023 from APCM 2023
TO APCM 2025 Dave Bowei's Nick Fletchei. Anne Gager fi'om APCM 2022 from APCM 2022 from APCM 2022 Vacant To APCM 2024 Sain Arputharaj Bobby Holdbi"ook Ann Dunninglon Paul Mai'shall fi'om APCM 2021 fi'om APCM 2021 from APCM 2021 from APCM 2021 Co-opted Riehai'd Eglese (Ti'easui'er Mary-Janc Carter (Parish Safeguai'ding Officer) Kath.1fte Sh¢ntall PCC Secretaiy (not a PCC membei.) Derek Matthews seived on Deanery Synod and PCC and we are sad to note his deatli in May 2023. Tlie appointment of PCC m¢mbei's is governed by and set out in the Church of England Representation Rules. Metnber5 ai'¢ elected for a term of three years after which they may not stand for re-election foi. one yeai.. Members elected to fill Casual vacancies may stand for re-election for a rther term of three years at the end of theii. two or one year terni. Deanery Synod Inembei's ait elected for a three-year tenn and may stand foi. re-election immediately. However, in line with the updated 2020 Church Repres¢ntation Rules, the 2020 APCM voted that henceforth, individuals may not serve foi. more than two successive tcrms on Deanery Synod. The PCC may co-opt up to two more electoral i'oll m¢mbers if they wish to. Committee Sti'ucture Standing Committee - the only sub-committee required by chui'ch law. It has EK)wer to ti'ansa¢t tlie business of the PCC belween its meetii)gs. This is composed of the ¢lergy licellsed to the parish, the chui'chwardens and treasurer, and tlu'ee other PCC Itpresentatives. appointed at the fii'st meeting of the PCC following the APCM. Fiuan¢e Team The Treasurei., Vicar, and Chuichwardens (and occasionally electoral roll members with expertise) meet fiY)m time lo time to prepar¢ budgets, staff salary reviews and appointment of staff. This team provides infoi'mation and recommendations foi. the PCC. Mission Suppoi't Gi'oup has PCC and other chui'ch members working to pi'omot¢ Inission links nationally and overseas. The PCC sets aside l 01/1 o of giving income and this team Inakes recommendations to the PCC foT allocation of suppoit to individuals and chai'ilies involved in mission work. They also award small grants to individuals on short-term Christian voluiitary mission projects. Alison Johnstone is chair of the Mission Support Group.
St Tbomas's Pi'e-school - St Thomas's Pre-school opei'ated as an extension of the mission and ministy of St Thom(IS's Church, Lan¢astei', It was undei. the chai'itable status of St Thomas'5 Chui'ch and is not a charity in its own l'ight. Sadly, due to unavoidabl¢ ¢ircumstances, the Pre-school closed in July 2023. Up to this time St Thomas's Pre-school was managed by a comtnittee which funGtion#d as a sub-gioup of tlie PCC Chaii'ed by Chris Ptu-k. The committee Included a PCC I"epresentative and was answerable to the vic. and PCC. Safeguarding Sub-group - This subgroup works with PCC reps &nd staff to ensure an integi'ated approach aci'oss all safeguarding matters. Mary-Jayne Carter is the church's Safeguarding Childi'en Advksor, and Angela Letchfoi'd is the church's Safeguarding Adu115 Advisor. The Fstate Managemcnt Group is chaired by Kalhai-ine Shenlall {Chuirh Manager) and meets iegularly to pi'ioritise works arising from the Quinquennial i'eport, Health and Safety issues, and Dther woi'ks requested by ohurch statr and members. This group commissions and oversees building repairs or alterations, on behalf of the PCC, and in line with a budget agi'eed in advance by the PCC. Health and Safety - The PCC has del¢gal¢d responsibility foT Health and Safety to tlie Chui'ch Manager, Katharine Shentall, WFLO makes regular reports to the PCC. Aims of the Church The official aim of the PCC 15 to "cooperate with the ministyr in promoting in the parlsh the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic. social and ecumenical" (PCC (Powers) Measur¢ 1956). The Histori¢xl Purpose of St Thomas, Church is to provide an evangelical chai'ismatic expression of Anglican worshkp in Lancaster. This historical ¢omrnitmellt is renewed and stiengtliened by membership of the Evangelical Alliance, regular paiticipalion in the New Wine network, and as a parish actively supporting the work of th¢ Diocese of Blackburn. St Thomas's Church Vision 2025 'Furthtr and Deeper, We are Still engaging with this Vision which the PCC initiated in 2021, as part of a vision-i'¢newal PTocess, with a church-wide questiotlliaire, and consultations with leaders. This led to the fonnulalion of a new Vision 2025, and a set of annual goals leading from 2021 to 2025, whicli are available to read in full on the church website.
In response to God's lov.e for_ us, we belleve we're called t.o be a people who are,. As a church, w.e exl$.t to.sharo '. God's love from the.heart.of Welcoming home . the clty;. . where God Is at thg centr? Deeply rooted In Chylst, in the church and"In'__ our clty...... , Radically compassionate.. shailng the.love.of God.to all ofCod'$ world .As Wo look iowards 2025, Nvp bell•ve that. God"Is£alling-us ta gD"furtD'¥r'. arid.'deoi)_or:wlth'th¢,- mini5trl•s he has.glvon:" . u&through the.Anab'lln9-' . of the140_lyS'pTrlL-::. . In thB'powèr of.tho Splrlt."":'"'"-" Church Membersliip A¢tivities The church is run by the committed Ckn'islian voluntary WO of many of its members, with the Staff Team in suppoit. Member.% tneet frequently to cover the day-to-day management of the church's worship. minisiry and adminislration. An extensive team of musicians assist in planning and leading the Enu5ical aspect of woi'ship. A5 a Church we continue to offer children's ministsy across 7 dtfferent groups for cliildren aged l-l l on Sundays. STY..LE youth ministry foi. young people aged 11-18 meets during the I lam service and we have been able to restore youth pi'ovision at the 9am service. Regulai. midweek gi'oups for youth and children also lake place. Safeguarding Children Procedui'es, following Dioc¢san and national guid¢lines, are in place and continue to be reviewed as per i'egulations. Many leaders also organise one- off events foi. their groups, whÉch al'e Tisk-assessed, and approved by the PCC. Clergy, Readers and others preach at evely seivice usually following a planned series based on the Scriptures. Visiting preachei's fi'om mission societies, Christian orgaiiisations and othe1% bring a broadei. dimension to the life of th¢ church. Life Groups and othei. small groups pi'ovide a rnore intimate Icv¢l of fellowship, prayer. Bible study, (Ind evaiigelistic activity and pastoral care. These m¢¢t in homes and on cliui'ch premises. Alpha courses are run by dedicated t¢ains to introduce enquirer5 to the Christian faith. usually once in a calendar yeaT. A team runs the Little Fishes (Toddler Group) which attra¢ts lai'ge numbers fi'om the local community.
A Pastoi'al Care Team visit5 the housebound. those in hospital and othets in ci'isis, or sutyei'ing froin clll'onic ¢onditions. Welcome teams from each congregation make contact with those who are new to the church. A PTayer Ministy Team prays for individuals (usually dui'ing or after Sunday services). Several Pl'ayer Chains pray confidentially w'hen needs aiise, paiticularly emerg¢ncies. A Flowei. aLYanging group Fielps to enhance our worship envii'onment. Chuirh rnernbers have been encouraged to see their professional, hom¢ and social lif¢ as tlieii frontlines, where they have their maiii opportunities to serv¢ God in the community. However, we also ¢ontknue to seek fresh ways of working together through ministries shared with other churcli members and other churches to reach our communities. It 15 the nature of church iii Lancaster, that many youiig adults live her¢ for a short lime whilst studyiiig oi. on short work conti'acts. It is one of the privileges of St Thomas's to be able to see young adults and young people coming to know Christ andlor deepening their faith befoi'e moving on to Christian ministiy elsewhere. Safeguai'ding Tlie PCC oversees safegu&rding in the life of the church, wlth the main work delegated to the Saleguarding Sub-group. This group is Comprised of the Safeguai'dillg Children's Advisor {Mary-Jayne Cartel.), the Safeguarding Adults Advisor (Angela Letchfoi'd), the vi¢ai' (Curate Rev Matt Guilder in Vacancy), one churchwarden (Natasha Aslibridge), the Youth Cooj'dinator (Ali Demet), the Children and Families Pastor (s'ah Evans), the Thiid Age Coordinator (Jeanette Main), and Ellen Green who oversees the administi'ation of safe recruitment. The PCC conducts an annual r¢vi¢w of all its procedures, and eacli year approves amended safeguarding policies for work amongst children and adults. Th¢ sub-group carries out an annual audit of our safeguarding policies and practices and ensures implementation is rigorously carried out in line with our policies. All leaders in children's and yollth groups have undergone DBS checks and have sign¢d confidential Declarations of Criminal Offences prior to laking on leadership roles. Safer i'ecruitm¢nt procediires are eaiTied out with regards to volunteers working with adults, in line with the Church's policies. The way that Safeguarding Ti'aiiiing is offered is being constantly developed. The national Church of England Safeguai'ding Training website now offers Basic (formerly CO) and Foundation (fomiei'ly C l) levels of online training, which lias now been widely accessed by oui. volunteei. teams. In addition, the Diocese of BlaGkburn offei's face-to-face Leadei'sliip (formerly C2} training for ministry leaders and staff team inembers. Mary-Jayne and Angela have also vi%ited leaders, meetings foi. specific groups to deliver in-house safeguarding trainingF to enhance the national pi'ovision. Photographs and contact dctails for the Safeguarding Advisors ai'¢ displayed piominenily tlwoiighout the chui'ch premises. If there ai'¢ any matters of concem to you, plcas¢ contact thein.
As always. oui. aim is tliat all of tlie children, young people, and adults who have contact with tlie church should be kept safe from harm, and to this end, the most itnportant factor that we can all contribute is to maintain a cultui'e of inforLned vigilance. Attendance Statistics (O¢tobei' count) In 2023 we were able to fiilly restoir our pattern of collective woi'ship with our 9am, I lani and 7pm seivic¢s. We also relaunclied the midweek Thursday Noon Servi¢¢. Tl)e I laiii and 7pm seyvices continue to be live-sts'eained via YouTube. October 2023 Regular Adult alt¥ndei' 87 138 47.75 39 311.75 Siudent Visitors Undcr-18 Total av¢ra 9am 11am 7pm Thursday Total 22 90.5 1.75 111.5 254.75 84.5 42.25 493 7.25 32.25 19 2.75 3.25 26 41 114.25 Tlie Electoral Roll at the 2023 APCM in April stooid at 353. Te&rfund Sunday W¢ h¢ld our annual 'Fearfund Sunday on 22. October, w(th Jem Crawley visiting to speak to us at all the seivices. As usual, a collection towards the work of Teai'fund was taken. mo.stly people were invilvd to give diirctly and regularly to Tefund. However. the total given via church foi. Tearfund Sunday was £3,173.16. Main developments in 2023 Church Life The Appendix is full of many additional reports from across the life of the church. Occasional Offi¢es In 2023. we coiiducted the following 'occasional' offices.. Baptisins - 18 Weddings - 3 Dedications - 6 Coiifirmalions - O Funei'als - 5 Heart of the City Pi'oject Siii¢¢ April 2022, we 'e iiow fully u5illE our church cerltre and sharing its resources witli local gi'oups, charities and othei. oi'ganisalioii5.
Snagging operations have lakcn place during 2023 and we contknue to leai'n how to malce use of the building to its full potential. We continue to thank God and all those who niade this pi'oject a success. The work to be done on resurfacin8 the c. pai'k was begun but we will be making use of funds already available to do that. Staff Team We continue to thank God foi. our staff team, willi theii. vai'ious expertise and gifts. In September we wei'e delighted to welcome Megan Prasher as Assistant Youth Minister and were qad to say goodbye to Jenny Guild¢r, Nina Hartmann and Theo Hunt as they left us over th¢ summer. Elld of Vacancy (up to Seplember 4) The start of 2023 saw tlie continuation of the vacancy following Rev Jon Scamman's move to CPAS in Septembei. 2022, and the process to appoint a new incumbent culminated in interviews in m'ch and the appointment of Rev Mark Bradford. Throughout this time the Wardeiis and PCC oversaw the life of the church with Rev Matt Guilder, (with the support of Rev Angela Letchford and Ruth Hassall), leadiiig the staff team on a day-to-day basis. Jeiiny Guilder left in May 2023 itady to begin her curacy at Morecambe Pai'isli Church following her oi'dknation on July I st. Jenny wenl with oui. deep thanks for all that she has given to the life of St Thomas,, and beyond, over th¢ last three years, particularly with her involvement in the Third Ag¢ Ministry, and with our prayers that God would continue to use the person that she is, and the gifts that she brings, to bless othe1% richly. Fuither goodbyes happened in July, ag our interns Nina Hartmann and Theo Hunt cwne to the end of their time with us, and again were sent with our deep thanks for all Iliat they have given and the lliays in which they have served. During the vacancy rnonths of 2023, the church ¢on(tnued to see gi'owth and lo work together towards the commitine11ts made in Vision 2025. Whilst not without its challenges, this was a friiitful time, encouraged by our PTayer gatherings where a5 a Church we met to seek God foi his suslaining presence during the vacancy months. the appointment of the new incumbent and to envision us afi'esh for all that is ahead. Our tlianks continue to go to all the ehurch family who faithfijlly pray, serve and give generously as we woi'k to see God's kingdom breaking through in this place, and fuithei. afield. On September 41h we were delighted and thankful to welcoine Rev Mark Bradfoi'd as incumbent. along with Sarah, Cal¢b, Anna and Phoebe. (Ruth Ha55all, DisGipl£ship Co-op'dinalor)
September 4 onwards I was licensed as vicar on Monday 4 September, bringing to an end a vacancy of almost a y¢ai-. It was gi'eat to have the support and guidance of Revd Matt Guilder during my first month in post, thougli on Sunday Oclober I, we safftd goodbye to Matt as he stepped out of St Tees and w85 then licensed as vicar of St Cuthbert's, Over Kellct on Sunday 5 November. There was an exciting pi'ophetic word shared by J¢m Crawley fiDm Tearfund when he ¢aine to speak at St Tees on Sunday 22 October on our annual T¢arfund Sunday: In the Hyorsl?ip I h.ilo gicini dooi's covering the gp'c)uk7d of ihe church. They ivere ¢hained logethei. and swelling as the presence and glory of ih¢ Loi'd was risrngfroni bgneaih them. Ifeli like it was a neil? life, a fresh expressio but COmiJ7gfrom rhe foup7dations and hlstory (Ihe crypil) afSI Tees. This word lias carried dettp i'esononce with many in the church and we are praying that God will bring it to fruition. By the end of the yew., it felt as though there were already thTee clear priorities, to connect with the three key i'elationships in each of our lives.. I. UP (our life with God) - a deeper life of prayei. together, and gi'¢ater openness foi the inoving of God in our gatherings. 2. IN (our life with one anotliei.) - theTe is a hunger for deeper commuiiity together with each oth¢r, and. especially, across the different congregations. 3. OUT (our life in the world) we need positively to 'blur the boundaries, between the churcli and thc world, so that there is more openn¢ss for people to wander kllto tlie ¢hui'ch building and more confidenc¢ for the church to witness in the world. 2024 is already of proillise with a new Alpha course, a new Growing Leaders cowse which will run throughout the y¢ai, and a new Keys to Freedom course, as well as muoli else to come. Going Concern Aftei making appropi'tate enquires, the boai'd of Ti'ustees has a reasonable expeclation that the PCC has adequate i'esouices to continue to operational existence for the" foi'eseeable future. Foi. this i'eason, it continues to adopt the g()ing concein basis in p]Ep.Ing the fInl¢la1 statements.
Financial Review The chur¢h's accounts have been iiispected by oui. aecountants CWR for approval by the PCC at its meeting iii March 2024. In January 2023, Genei'osity Sunday took place, when all three congregations were encouraged to i'eview theii. prayei., s¢i'vice and financial giving. There was a good financid response, but by the sun]mer it was becoming clear that incieased expenditiire due to inflation (particularly energy costs) would lead to a significant Yeduction in oui. i'esetv¢s by the end of the year. So a Gift Day was organised at the beginning of September to encouiag¢ one-off gifts or inci'eased regular giving. There was another good financial i'esponse, so that by the end of 2023 income had exceeded expenditure for th¢ year and our reserves had increased. However, reserves are still below the level of three months normal expenditui'e which the PCC have set as th¢ mininiutn appropriate level to enable the continuation of planned activtti¢s and ongoing developments. We are thankful to God foi. the finances ieceived in 2023 to suppoit the ministry of the church. As in the pasl, the Church oontinues to give i ofi/o of its planned giving to support mission woi'k elsewhere and in 2023 this amounted to over £47,000. l-he diflei-cnt missionaiy organi5ations and individuals supported ¢ire sllmmai'ised in Note 12 of th¢ accounts. Anonymous donations to mission partners hav¢ also contributed to their support. Mission Support funding is in addition to money given by church members dii'ectly to Tear Fund. The new Centre was opened debt-fiEe in 2022 and was increasillgly used in 2023. Snaggirkg issues with the construction were addiessed during 2023 and the filial bill roi. constructian company is expected to be paid in early 2024. The money in the restricted Heart of the City (Ho'rc) rund is enough to covcr the expected I'emaining costs ot Phase Il of the HOTC pi'oject, including work on resurfackng the car park whicli look place in 2023. Any i'emaiiiing inoney in the HOTC Fund will be available for Phase Ill of the project, involving renovations to the church building al some time in the future. The asset value of the new Centre has been inci'eased by the amount spent on its constructkon dui'ing 2023. so it has been valued at over £2,45million at the eiid of 2023 as shown in Note 13. Acting on professional advice, a limited company named St Thomas, Lancaster Development5 Limited (STLDL) was set up in 2018 and continues to handle some of the finances associated with the HOTC pi'oject. The PCC is the sole shareholder of STLDL and receives regulai. IEpoiiS of its financial activities which al'e i'eported sepai'ately to tlie ehui'ch accounts. Expenditure in 2023 has increased due to inflatioiiary pressures. The use of the new Ceiiti'e has led to incTeased iunning cost%, particulÉirly enei'gy costs, though thc new Centre generated a i'ental income of over £36,000, as shown in Note 2c, to help mitigate these additional ¢xpenses, Particul. itenis to note in 2023 al'e as follows: The Parish Shal'e in 2023 was £136,259. The aniount was affected by the IEduction in our sÉipendiaiy ministry following Helen Scarnman's departure at io
tELe end of 2022 and the cap following discussions with memb¢i's of the Diocesan Board of Finance in November 2021 foi. 2022, which also applies to 2023 and 2024. Tlie Parish Share includes contributlons to the stipends of clergy working wilh St Thomas's, housing Costs, safeguarding. training, diocesan and national costs. The expenditui'e in the "Evangelism and Discipleship" catcgory included a gift of £2,500 to LancasteL', Moi'ecambe & District Churches Debt Centi'e to suppoit the local work of Clll'istians Against Poveity (CAP) a5 wa5 done in 2021 and 2022. It was decided to close Preschool at the eiid of the summer teiTn 2023 due to staffing difficulties and its financial viability. In 2023, a total of £13,980 was ti'ansferred fi'om the General Fund to Preschool to allow it to meet all its inancial obligations and the Pyeschool restriotcd fund will now be clobed. A new Yestricted fund was created duTing 2023 narned "Vehicle" to suppoit the purchase and opei'atioii of a Wheelchair Assisted Vehicle (WAV) to help those needing this form of transport to attend church s¢rviGes and other activilies. Iiicome foi. this fund has been rec¢ived from donations and transfers from 3, age activity income. Regul. donations to the church may be made using the Parish Giving Scheme, by standing ordei. or other meihods. Any member of the chui'ch who is a taxpayer should consider making use of Gift Aid so that tax can be reclalmed on donations. Please contact the Treasiii'ei., Richard Eglese, or the Covenanl Secretary, Russ Partlngton, if you would like any assistance. I would lilce lo thank all those wlio have worked in the Finance Team to matkage the finances, particularly to Icatharine Shentall in her role as Chui'ch Managei. and Russ Partington as Covenant Seci'etary. I would also like to thank thosc who have helped to count the cash collections aftei, services in Chu1h. The financial outlook foT 2024 continues to be challenging while inflation affects much of our expendiknre. We pray that oui. financial needs will continue to be mel as we seek to support all oui. church activities of worship, reaching out to seive our local coinniunity, suppoiting mission and developing the use of the Centi'e, Richaid Egle5e Church Ti'easurer Public Benefit The Trustees are aware of the Charity Coinmission Guidance on pi'oviding public benefit and have had due regard to this in exei'cising their duties dui'ing the year. This advice has been refeiTed to when reviewing the aims of the ¢huirh and planning futuie ¢lCtivities tliat e for the public b¢nefit. Reserves Policy The only fre¢ reseives held by the PCC relate to the General Fund. The PCC coiisiders that to allow the Church to be managed effiGi¢ntly, and to provide am appiopriate biiffer to cnable the continuation of planned activities and ongoing
developments. it is Thecessary to maintain a Genei'al Fund balance equivalent to thre¢ to six months Thormal expenditure charged to the fund. Fuither detsils can b¢ found in tlie accouiiting policy notes. Investment Poliey and Powers All investments are agreed by the Trustees, which has regaid to the Charity Coinmission guidance in relation to charity investment policy. Risli Management The PCC examines the major risks that the Church faces each financial yeai. when prepariiig and updating its budget and activities plan for the forthcoming year. The PCC has developed systems lo monitor and control these i'isks, both financial and non-financial to mitigate aiiy impact they might have on the Cliurch in tlie future. Trustees Responsibilities in Relation to the Finaneial Statements Law applicable to Chaiities in Eiiglaiid and Wales i'equii'es th¢ Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year whi¢h give a true and fail. view of the Charity's financial activities dui'ing the year and of its financial posilion at th¢ end of the year. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required lo.. Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. Make judgments aiid estiinales that w'e i'easonable and prudenl. State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recoininended practice have been followed subject to any departure disclosed and explained in the financial 5talements' and Pi'epare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropi-iate to presume that the Charity will continue in business. Tlie Ti'ustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accui'acy at any tinie the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensui'e that the financial stateinents comply with the Charities Act 201 l They are 8150 re.sponsible for safeguarding the asset8 of the Charity and hence for taking reasonabl¢ steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and othei. irregularities. Tlie tn]stees' repoit was appi'oved by the PCC on its behalf by.. 2024 and signed on Mark Biadford Vicar 12
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTKR STATEMII NT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31sr DECEIWIBER 2023 Unrestricted Fund5 Restricted Desigihgted Funds Funds Tot81 Funds 2023 2022 Notc INCOMING RESOURCES Incon]e And endowments from. Generating funds Dollalions and leg&¢ies Chai'itable Activilic5 Investrn¢nts 2813 2b13b14 2¢ 2dlJ¢ 8491 46350 66305 5071 58374 53854 66865 521955 66305 5071 79663 556862 33194 1301 4600 TOTAL 543368 112228 4600 660190 671020 RESOURCES EXPENDED Expenditure oD- Cost of G¢nei'&ting Funds Chatable Activities 3d 2e12f13e 3f14 82321 24760 82321 540168 92768 515345 462963 S2445 TOTAL 462963 107081 52445 622489 608113 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR 80405 5147 {47845) 37707 62907 TRANSFERS BETWEEN fiUNDS 2g12h13112 47484 NET MOVILMENT IN FUNDS 81687 (43619) (361) 37707 62907 BALANCES BROUCIIT FORWARD AT ISTJANUARY 2023 2541160 194980 1015 2737155 2674248 BALANCF.8 CARRIED FORWARD AT31ST DECEMBEK 2023 2g1314 2622847 151361 654 2774862 2737155 13
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEI MBER 2023 Note 2023 2022 FIXED ASSETS St Tliomas Centre Land Annexe 2451364 30000 40518 2521882 2386904 30000 40518 2457422 13 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors, Prepayments and Accrued Incoine Invesliiienls Bank and Cash 26113 114051 130372 270536 24183 110509 160702 295394 14 LIABILITIES Creditors.. Amounts falling due wiihin ons year 15 (17S56) (15661) NET CURRENT ASSETS 252980 279733 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 2774862 2737155 NET ASSETS 2774862 2737155 Represented By FUNDS Unrestricted General Fund Unresti'icted - Fixed Asset Revaluation Fund 2g 2g 100965 2521882 2622847 83738 2457422 2541160 Restricted Dcsignated 151361 654 194980 1015 TOTAL FUNDS 2774862 2737155 Approved by the Parochial Church Council ort . 2024 and signed on its behalf by., Mai'k Bradfoi'd Vicar 14
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Th¢ financial statements have been pi'epar¢d in accordan¢e with the Church Accountitkg Regulation5 2006 and in complian¢e with the provisions tsf FRS102.'The Financial Repoilit)g Standard applscable in the UK nd Ihe Republic of Ireland,, The financial 5tatemeiits have been prepaied yndei. the historical ¢os( convention except foi. the v&lu8lion of investment assets, which ale shown at mai'ket value, and the valuatiDn of oertaÈll Freehold Properties, which al'e shown at mai'k¢l value ai their last professional valuation in 1993. Tl)e meinbers of the PCC coi)sideT that there are no Tnaterial uncertain¢ies abouÉ ih¢ Chureh's ability to coniinue as a going conceyn. Fiinds (i) Geiieral Fund represents the funds of the P.C.C. that are not subject to any rc5tri¢tioiis regarding their use and are 8vai18ble foi. applicFLtion on the general purposes of the P.C.C. (ill Designated Funds ale unrestricted funds which can only be used for the particular purpose of the desigiiation by the P.C.C. and are noi available to be applied on the general purpos¢5 of the P.C.C. lili) ResLYiCted Funds cjn only be used for the pui'poses for which the funds w¢r¢ given, and cannot be made available ftsr the general purposes of the P.C.C. (iv) The only'free, ieserves held by the P.C.C. therefore relate to the General Fund its¢lf. The P.C.C. Inust rnatch what is essentlally a variable in¢on)e stream. with expenditure cotnmilments which are of a fixed naturc. Consequently. th¢ P.C.C. ¢onsÉders th&1 to allow thr Church to b¢ D)anaged efficiently, aiid to pi'ovide an appropriate buffer to ellabl¢ the Continuation of planned activities and ongoing developments. it is necessary to maintain a General FuTkd balance equivalent to tliree to six Jt)onlh5 normal cxpenditure charged to the Fund, By way of illustration, at 3 1st Deceniber 2023, four months expenditure would amount to approximately £154,000, as compared to th¢ balance on General Fund of £lOI,000. (v) The accounts include all transactions, assets and Itabilities for whi¢h the P.C.C. is r¢sponsible in law. They do not include the ac¢ounts of church groups that owe their main atTili&tion to another body nor ihose that are inforinal galheiings of Church membeTS. Income 2nd Eiidowmeiit5 li) Volunta Collections are recognised when received by or oi) behalf of th¢ P.C.C. IneDme and C ital Sources Planned giving receivable under covenanÈ is recognised only when received. Income tax re¢overed on coveiianis or gift aid dDnations IS Te¢ognised ITr the year for whi¢h the income tax is re¢overable. Grants and legacies to tlie P.C.C. ar¢ accounted for Js $(>on as the P.C.C. is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due. Rental incoi*e from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. 15
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDEI D 31ST DEI CEMBER 2023 {conlinued) ACCOUNTING POLICIES- CONTINUEI D (li) Inconie FroTn Investments Interest is accounted foi. when r¢ceivable. Tax recovered on Such income is r¢¢ognised in the satne accouriting year. IÉLII Gains and L055es on Investment ro erties R¢alis¢d gains or10sses are recognised when investm¢nls or propeitics are 901d. Ex cnditure li) Doiialions Donations dre ac¢ounted for when paid over. (ill Activities Dii'ectl Relatin to the Work of the Church The diocesan quota is ac¢tsunied for when payttble. Any quota unpaid &t 31 st Decernber is provided for in these accounts as ali opcrational (tliough not 8 legall liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet. Fixed Assets {1} Coiisecrated Land ai d Buildin s and Movable Church Furnishin Conse¢ra¢ed property is excluded froin the accounts by s.10 of the Charities Act 2011. No value is placed oth movable church furnishing5 held by the churchwardens on sp¢¢ial trust for tlie P.C.C. and which iequire a faculty for disposal since The P.C.C. considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditur¢ incurred during the year on consecrated buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance oi. improvemeTht, is written off as ¢xpenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed. {ii) Other Fixtures Fittin 5 and 01¢ ui tnent Equipment used within the churcli premises is d¢pr¢¢i&ted on a stralght line ba515 over 4 years. Individual items of ¢quipment with a puirhase pric¢ of £5000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Investments Investment3 are valued at Enai'ket value at 315t DeceIber 2023, md include fijnds held on deposit with th¢ Central Boai'd of Finance. 16
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER NOTEI S TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE Yfi AR Ef+lDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 (Continued) General Fund 2023 General Fund 2022 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS tNCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Generating Funds Grants and other incoine 8491 4125 2b Voluntary Income Plaiined CylVlPIg.' Covenants Incoine Tax re¢over¢d fi'oin Gift Aid Uncovenanted Parish Giving Schenie Gift Aid recovered on Parish Giving Schem¢ 257365 51395 6277 92650 227l9 257925 58825 7253 60286 14J71 Collectioiis CAFIStewardship 12892 16917 460215 9039 25230 432929 Oihei. Donalion.s Sundry donations 3286 463501 421 433350 Income FIN)m Activities Rents received Car park Weddings and funerals Worship Income: YouthlEncounter Students1230 3rd Age Evangelism and Dis¢ipleship Flowers Junior Church Family Life Cenire Asyluiii Seekers and Refuge¢s 36294 15402 60 2528 2708 11885 560 7417 3740 30 3690 126 185 2377 3543 1513 33194 160 2699 4582 66305 2d Income Fi'om Inve5tm¢nts Inlcresl 5071 1301 TOTAL tNCOME AND ENDOWMENTS 543368 471970 17
THE PAROCHIAL CHiiRCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THCI YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEIVIBEI R 2023 (contiiiued) UNRESTRICTED FUNDS. CONTINUED CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Genej'al Fund 2023 General Fund 2022 Note Donatlons Vicavs Discrctionaiy Account 315 659 2f Activities Dlrectly Relating to Work ol. the Chur¢b Minislry.- Parish Share Staff Expenses Vic&r&ge Expenses Curate's House Expenses Worsliip Expenses 136259 1759 3128 1545 44449 152047 4877 2822 3147 39075 Church - Running Expense5 St. Thomas Centr¢ and Annexe Running Expenses Wages and Salaries Other Administrative Expenses Audit and Accountancy 29838 39753 189356 14419 2142 462648 28174 26569 158929 15840 2040 433520 10 20 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 462963 434179 18
THE PAROCHIAL CEIURCH COUNCIL ort ST THOMAS, I,ANCASTF.R NOTES TO THE cCO[lNT5 ron TIIE YFAR ENDF.T) 31ST DKCEMBER 2023 1tonllUel UNRESTRlCtED FVNDS. coNfINUKJ) Vlxed Asset FLxod Amel FuDd 2022 Geh¢r%l Nolt Fud 2023 1023 2022 'ro'rAL INCOME AND ENDOllliMENTS Ifroni pose 171 543368 47197D TOTAL EXPENDITURE 462963 434179 NET IEXPENDITUREVtNCOME AND ENDOIVMENTS 8(k105 Tra$re1St0 DesignRted Fiinds (see Dote 211141 Tr4n¥ferslloiifrorn Resiricied Fund$ Iseenolc 31 1474201 14Y291 FQOOI 64460 217352 NET INCOMEIIEXI>KNDITURl¥l FOR YEAR 644(Al 17227 117352 Balance BTtsughl F0Tvid Al 151JÈnu&ry2023 2457422 83738 2240070 96376 I¥ALANCE CARRIED foRII'ARD AI. 3] DECKM]IER 2023 2521882 100965 2457422 83738 Tr ttsfor5 1 2h rt Fund Tli¢ pcc ir4n3fers IO% of inc¢me giying ID the Mi55iDll SipportFund. 19
THL PAKOCHIAL CHURCII COiNCII, OF SI-TTIOMA5. knINCASTER NOTtS TO THE ACCOIINYS THb YEAR ELYDEDJ5SY DfcEMBEiI 2D13 leon11lled} RES1'xicfLy FUNDS Acts E3r- Fishes Prt-sehool the City Ilthicte 43S ruorkt Fttn Trund Vunil Fund Suppurt ARK 2023 2022 INCOfvIF.,tND Eli[)O1VIlTs P(&5ckntsl 58374 58374 7553 3b onalionGI&IS 330 3J2S 18¥0 IT172 55854 Income 4né rdOineI 330 58374 J325 185850 EXPENDITUR Cost tsf GthtrA¢in8 Funils Pie-Scli 82321 92768 Mi$sion.%uwrt Donaiioiis 459 459 4J92 4J92 24760 24760 25527 25639 16542 Jr Toill EXpeIre 459 4392 1900 16542 107081 IIU07 NETIEXPENDTTIIRElItNC0I41fl AND LNI)OIVMENrs 123947) 12]0 5147 67443 .rrAnJfeI- UnTE5tritl Funils 13668 16446(11 2070 123D BnlRnces 11r0gI1¢ 81 l$t.TihthAry 2023 IW79 194980 337889 IIALANCES CARRIED I,-OlllVARtJ AT 315r DICEMDER 2015 2019 IQ03 194980 DESIGNATED FUt4DS Noie Misl1 Support T11 2013 Tu¢HI 2011 INCONIE AND LNI)OIVMTr. 46 EXPINDITIIRE DDnntiOD$ MI55iOn 5ytwn DonlliOTh 52445> (52445 55527 TrgDsfer8 frorn Rthtitted Fllnds fi4 64 Tr4nsfeTS fr¢nl Ilthrtsirl¢i¢J Funils PCC Allocation 47420 47420 43429 NET INCQME AND ENDOIIPMKNTS Br111 FDrw9Y 41 1st JAnuAr.Y 2023 11A1,ANCF CARRIE FORWARD Ill. 31ST DECEMBER2ts2J 654 654 20
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DEcEIBE4 R 2023 (continued) 2023 2022 VICARAGE EXPENSES Water Council Tax Repairs and Maintenance 161 1187 1780 3128 315 2507 2822 CURATE HOUSE EXPENSES Water Council Tax 446 1099 1545 998 2149 3147 WORSHIP EXPENSES Copyright, Books, Lay Readers Wine, Candles etc Junior chUh Speakeis Expenses Refreshment5 Conference and Ti'ainii)g Alpha Youth/Cncounler Studenls120-30 3rd Age Evangelisin and Discipleship Flowers FaTnily Life Ccntre Asylum Seekers and Refugees 2064 904 4682 159 2578 6316 2251 694 3301 133 1864 9716 193 5877 964 2284 9932 481 784 601 39075 10633 1037 3580 5577 589 946 5271 44449 CHURCH RUNNING EXPENSES Heal and Light Water Insurance epairs and Maintenance Equipinent 11406 595 4372 7435 6030 2983 8 8888 574 4137 5573 9002 28174 21
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBEI R 2023 (Continued) 2023 2022 ST THOMAS CCI NTRE & ANNEXE EXPENSES Cenlr Heat and Light Water Insui'ance Repairs and Maiiitenancc Equipinenl 24355 1046 1602 7848 593 17288 544 633 1918 457 35444 20840 Hcat and Lighi Waler Insurance Repairs and Maintenai)ce 1286 (83) 1941 1165 2357 463 1488 1421 4309 39753 5729 26569 io WAGES & SALARIES Geneial Fund Adiiiinisli aliofrj ond Chui'ch Woi'ke15 Gross Wages Employels National Insurance Costs 183425 5931 189356 154771 4158 158929 The TTuslees noted below were paid a salaiy during tlie year in the following bands.. C Redmorc £Q- £5,000 (2022 £0- £5,000) R Hassall £Io,001- £15,000 (2022 £5,001 £10.000) li OTHER ADMINISTRATION COSTS Printing, Postage and Slalionery Telephone Bank Cliarges Cleaning Expenses Professional Fees Sundry Expenses 4967 2308 1027 2378 36 3379 14419 5684 2000 775 2030 1080 4271 15840 Dui'ing the year payinenls were Inade to members of the PCC for travel expenses and also for the I'eimbursnient of expenses made for cliai'itablc activities. The total paid was £5,005. (2022 £8,409). 22
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 (continued) 12 MISSION SUPPORT FUND 2023 2022 Donations Made IFF Yeai. Ministries Supported Aihbassadors Football CMS CPAS CRMI Edu¢alion for I.ife Friends Int¢n)alional Fusion Indigenous mission NISCU Siev¢ Cowles/Police suppoit UCCF Wycliffe Bible Translators 8000 3750 9400 3800 iooo 3800 6484 5180 270 6600 4720 J300 4100 4720 53374 2750 5535 4230 5700 3920 3450 1200 4020 42555 Gifts lo individuals for mission and other (Details available froin Mission Support Team or Treasurer) 9890 2265 Total 52445 55639 Reslri¢É¢d Funds Other donations Designaled Funds 112 13200 42327 4600 47845 Conlribulion,s IAJ Yeai. The total Contributed to Mission Support Fund in 2023 by PCC was £47,420. (2022 £43,429). 13 TANGtBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixed Assets included at cost or valuation as follows.. 2023 2022 At Pi'ofessional Valzialion PRF 1993., Land (C&r Park) 30000 30000 30000 30000 Ai Cosl.- Aniiexe (1994) New C¢nti'e 40518 2451364 2491882 2521882 40518 2386904 2427422 2457422 22
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS, LANCASTII R NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 {eontinued) 14 INVESTMENT ASSETS 2023 1022 Cosh Deposils Wiiji.. Central Boai'd of Finance Geiiei'al Deposit Accouiil 114051 110509 IS CREDITORS falling due within one year Ci'editois and Accruals 17556 15661 16 ST THOMAS PRE-SCHOOL St Thoinas Prc-school operates iiidependenily of the PCC, but ils committee includes a I'epresentative of the PCC, 8nd the Prc-S¢hool Leader is appointed by t]ie Vicai. of St Thomas in consultation witli appi'opriate intere51¢d parties. Ipicome.. Fees LCC Fees Oiliei. Income 11050 44764 2560 58374 16525 56211 2802 75538 Expendilui'e.. Rates Wages Equipment etc replaced In8uI'an¢e Ti'aining Cleaning Oihei. Costs OFSTED Fees 188 73949 3840 648 637 844 2215 645 81905 4094 166 1831 820 3257 50 92768 Ner Ex endiÉui'e (23947) (17230 Trustee C Redinore was paid a salaiy during the year in the band £0 - £5,000. (2022 £0- £5,000)- 20 AUDIT AND ACCOUNTANCY FEES Indepeiideiii Examination Irrecovei'able V AT 1785 357 2142 1700 340 2040 21 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS In 2018 a limited company, St Thomas, Lancastei. Developments Litnil¢d. was set up to deal with some of the finances as50¢iated with the Heart of the City project. The Church is the sole shareholder of the company. £60.000 was paid to the Gompany dui'ing the year. No other related pai'ty transactions took place dui'ing the year other than disc105ed at notes 10 and I l. 24
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCFI COUNCIL OF ST THOMAS. I.ANCASTER INDEI)CINDENT EXAMINER'S PORTI'O THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCILOF ST THOMAS, LANCASTE¢R FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER2023 I report on tlie #¢¢ouiits Df th¢ Pai'ochial Church Council for (he year ended 3 1st De¢embcT 2023, which ale set out on pages 13 ta 24. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER The chaTily's trustees are YE5pon5ibl¢ for the prepai'ation of the accounts. The cliaiiryOs trustees considcT tliat am audit is not required for this ycai. Iindei. 5CQtion 144121 of the Charittes Aei 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an indepeadanl exatninatioii *s nccded. it is my responsibilily IO., cxamine ilie dCCOUI)t5 undei. section 145 ofihe 2011 Act to follow the proceduies laid dow'n in the gen¢ial Directions given by the ChariLy Commission under scction 14515llbl of the 2011 A¢i' and to slate whcÉher panicular malters have Come to my a(tenLion. BASIS OF INDEfPENDENT EXAMINCrR'S REPORT My e.Yamination was ¢arried out in a¢cordance with the G¢neral DiTeciions givcn by (he Charily Commission. An examinatTon includcs a review of ihe accounting records kcpt by the Pa1chIal Church Council and a compari50n nf Lhe accounts PTesented with th05¢ re¢ords. It alsv includes consideration of any unugual items or di5¢1osuies in the aGcounls and seeking explanalions frotn you as'fruslees concerning any su¢h matter5. The procedures underiaken do nol provid¢ all the evidence that would be Ttquiird in all audit, and consequently no optnion is given as to wheiheT Ihe accoun15 pr¢s¢nt a'lwe an(1 fair view. and th¢ r¢port is limiled to those matters set oui in the slatetnent bclow. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT SiRce Ihc gl'oss income foi. Ihe year exceeds the amounl provided in section 145{31 of the Ac¢. l ¢onfinn Ihal l am qualified io act as Indep¢ndcnt Exarninei. under the provisions of that section of th¢ Ac¢ and Ihal my qualification is shown below. In oonnectton vliih my examination, no mattEI' has come lo ihy attention.. a. which gives me reasonable cau5E to believc ihat in any rnatrrial respect the reguiremenls.. lo ke¢p accouniing records in a¢¢ordancE with section 130 of the 2011 A¢t' and to prepair ac¢ount$ which a¢¢oi'd with the aeKounting records and ¢omply with the J¢¢oiJnliug requirements of th¢ 201 l Act. have not been met,. or b. to H,hicli. in my opinioD, attention should be drawn ID order to ertable a proper uThder5tanding of the 8CCDUrtls lo be reached. Phillip DcnTriwn ACA FCCA Datc CWR ChaTteied Accouniants 20 Mannin Way Lancasl¢r Busin¢55 PaTk Caton Road LANCASTER LAI 3SW 25