## **ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS LONDON FIELDS with ST PAUL’S HAGGERSTON**
# **ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023**
Registered Charity Number 1130974
## **CONTENTS:**
|**CONTENTS:**||
|---|---|
||**Page**|
|**Administrative details of the Charity, its**|1|
|**Trustees and Advisers:**||
|**Trustees’ Report:**|2–6|
|PCC Structure, Governance and Management|2|
|Review of Activities|3-6|
|**Finances:**|7-13|
|Statement of the PCC's financial responsibilities,|7|
|Review of financial position and Reserves policy||
|Independent Examiner's Report|8|
|Statement of financial activities|9|
|Balance sheet|10|
|Notes to the accounts (including accounting policies)|11-13|
## **ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY**
**Charity Name:** The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Michael and All Angels London Fields with St Paul's Haggerston (‘the PCC’)
## **Registered Charity Number:** 1130974
**Members of the PCC (Charity Trustees):** The members of the PCC who served during the year were:
Chair _(ex officio):_ The Revd Daniel Gerrans, Vicar
Churchwardens _(elected for one year at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, and ex officio members of the PCC provided they are actual communicants whose names are on the electoral roll of the parish):_ Jimmy Asakes and Lily Ejeka.
Lay members of Hackney Deanery Synod _(elected for terms of 3 years, and ex officio members of the PCC provided their names are on the electoral roll of the parish):_ Savitri Maitreyi Maria Hensman, Garofina Voichita Morton, Cathie M Smith (until 30.6.23) and Christina Richardson (from 1.7.23).
Elected representatives of the laity _(elected for terms of 3 years on a rotation basis, one third retiring and being elected each year):_ Elizabeth Bower, Patricia Fraser (from 26.3.23), Maggie Hamand LLM, Matthew Marques (Treasurer), Godwin Ogholo, William F O’Loughlin, Claudia Russell-Banahan, Cathie M Smith (from 26.3.23), Devon Stewart, Katrina Stewart and Esther Unachukwu (until 31.7.23).
## **Church address:**
Lansdowne Drive, London E8 3ER
## **Correspondence address:**
The Vicarage, 97 Lavender Grove, London E8 3LR
## **Independent Examiner:**
Rev John Irwin FCA AMCT Chartered Accountant
## **Bankers:**
National Westminster Bank plc Reliance Bank Limited
1
**TRUSTEES’ REPORT**
The PCC presents its Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.
St Michael & All Angels London Fields with St Paul’s Haggerston (‘the Parish’) is the Church of England (Anglican) Parish Church for London Fields, Hackney, London E8.
The Accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 12 below and comply with the PCC’s governing documents, applicable laws and the requirements of the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP (FRS 102)).
## **PCC STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **Governing Documents**
The PCC is governed by two pieces of Church of England legislation, called Measures. These are:
- The Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended (‘the 1956 Measure’).[1]
- The Church Representation Rules, contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969, as amended (‘the CRR’).[2]
## **Charitable status, purposes and activities**
The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission. Its primary charitable purpose is the advancement of the Christian religion within the parish. Under section 2(2) of the 1956 Measure, as amended, this purpose includes the following functions:
- _(a) co-operation with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical;_
- _(b) the consideration and discussions of matters concerning the Church of England or any other matters of religious or public interest, but not the declaration of the doctrine of the Church on any question;_
- _(c) making known and putting into effect any provision made by the diocesan synod or the deanery synod, but without prejudice to the powers of the council on any particular matter;_
- _(d) giving advice to the diocesan synod and the deanery synod on any matter referred to the council;_
- _(e) raising such matters as the council consider appropriate with the diocesan synod or deanery synod;_
- _(f) appointing sidesmen (who are also known as assistants to the churchwardens)._
The PCC’s activities include:
- Regular public worship open to all.
- The provision of sacred space for personal prayer and contemplation.
- Pastoral work, including visiting the sick and bereaved.
- Teaching Christianity through sermons, courses and small study groups.
- Taking religious assemblies in the parish primary school, St. Paul’s with St Michael’s School.
- Providing services to the community, especially through the church hall and hosting visits by community schools to the church.
PCC members are charitable trustees, so all the provisions of charity law apply to their corporate responsibilities, financial management and decision making, as explained in guidance of the General Synod’s Legal Advisory Commission at https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-12/legal%20position%20of%20pcc%20members%20final.pdf. Its members have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Commission’s public benefit guidance[3] when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.
> 1 The full text of the 1956 Measure, before the addition of paragraph (f) by the Church Representation and Ministers Measure 2019 Schedule 2 paragraph 10 (see http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/2019/1/schedule/2/paragraph/10#schedule-2-paragraph-10-2) is available on the Statute Law Database at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/Eliz2/4-5/3/contents.
> 2 The CRR were replaced by the Church Representation and Ministers Measure 2019 section 1 and Schedule 1 (see http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/2019/1/section/1). The text of the rules as currently in force is available online at https://www.churchofengland.org/more/policy-and-thinking/church-representation-rules.
> 3 Comprising: _Public benefit: the public benefit requirement (PB1)_ : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-benefit-the-public-benefitrequirement-pb1; _Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)_ : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-benefit-running-a-charity-pb2; and _Public benefit: reporting (PB3)_ : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-benefit-reporting-pb3.
2
**REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES**
## **Annual Report for 2023 on the proceedings of the PCC and the activities of the Parish generally**
## _(as required by Rule M5(1)(b) of the Church Representation Rules)_
## **Mission during the year**
The task of furthering _in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical_[4] belongs not just to the PCC but to all church members. The PCC’s special function is to provide leadership in order to _promote_ that mission. This Report summarises the main activities undertaken by the PCC to carry out its charitable purposes for the public benefit, and its main achievements.[5]
## **(1) The proceedings of the PCC**
In addition to the church’s core role of offering public worship of, and witness to, God as revealed to humanity in Jesus Christ, in order more effectively to promote in the parish the church’s _‘whole mission’_ , the PCC periodically identifies specific objectives which are distilled in a Mission Action Plan (MAP) and at each of its full meetings reviews progress in achieving them. In 2023 the PCC formally met 7 times, also conducting some business through Committees. The table below lists the goals set in the current MAP and the progress in achieving them by the end of the year under review.
|**St Michael & All Angels London Fields Mission Action Plan 2022-2024**|**St Michael & All Angels London Fields Mission Action Plan 2022-2024**||Approved by the Parochial Church Council 26/01/2022|
|---|---|---|---|
|**Visio n:**|Being**_Open to Go d, open to all_** means being passionate about:|||
|• lovingand servingGod|injoyful, reverent, orderly, welcoming, creative and imaginative worship|||
|• lovingneighbour by|• beinga communitywhere all are known and valued|||
||• sharingthe Good News of God's love|||
||•being agents of the new creation through service, creativity, growth and development|||
|**A ctio n:**|**_In addition to what is already happening, we aim to :_**|||
|**What**|**H ow**|**Who**|**P ro gress**_at 31/12/2023_|
|**_1. C onfident_**
**_D isciples_**|Explore other ‘gateway activities’ we might be able to offer|PCC|21.6.23 PCC agreed (1) some already being provided i.e. school visits,
confirmation classes and carol service should be promoted more; (2)
Summer outings for children, families and older people are also ‘gateway
activities’ (3) to allocate time at a future meeting for further discussion
about such activities|
||Upgrade sound system in church to make our worship more accessible to people inside and outside the
church building|Working Group comprising Cathie (Chair),
Elizabeth, Daniel, Devon and (from 4.7.22)
Christina Richardson|Achieved Dec 2022|
||_And see 4 and 5 below_|||
|**_2. C o mpassionate_**
**_C ommunities_**|Participate in the Eco Church Programme|M aggie to complete questionnaire|16.12.22 Eco Church Bronze Award gained; 23.2.23 free Eco Audit
awarded by City Bridge Trust; 21.6.23 PCC decided in principle, and
subject to funding, to implement some or all of the recommendations in
the Eco Audit and delegated to a Working Group investigation of the
feasibilityof implementingthem;that work is active and ongoing|
|||Daniel to explore with Deanery Chapter
colleagues possibilities for collaboration or
sharing good practice in this area|
Discussed at Deanery Chapter 14.10.22 and 17.1.23|
||_And see 4 and 5 below_|||
|**_3. C reative Gro wth_**|Seek to build back Children and Youth M inistry better by trying to:|||
||i. Recruit (1) a paid Coordinator to administer and support All Stars and Youth Group activities on
Sundays and if possible at other times and (2) a Youth Worker to be paid on a sessional basis|Children and Youth M inistry Team
('CYM T')|Volunteer Coordinator for All Stars recruited w.e.f 5.12.21|
||ii. Resume altar serving|Daniel to help Katrina coordinate
recruitment & rota|Ongoing: new YP servers recruited from Autumn 22|
||iii. Explore how we can better hear the voices of young people in shaping our church for the future (e.g.
reporting on Children and Youth M inistry at our Annual Parochial Church M eeting, taking part in PCC or
its Committees) and equip families to raise their children in the Christian faith|Children’s Champion, CYMT|5.12.21 Jon Hart volunteered to offer training; 26.3.23 PCC received
children's ideas and asked CYMT to follow up; 10.9.23 CYM T meeting|
||_And see 4 and 5 below_|||
|**_4. Striving for_**
**_racialjustice_**|Open up membership of the Steering Group to others interested in taking part, especially younger people,
and try to be more inclusive of younger adults generally|Vicar, Steering Group|29.6.22 Jon Hart and Katherine Gerrans added; 30.10.22 M abel Anyiam
added|
||Explore what we can we do to increase diversity in leadership and vocations, especially young people|Vicar, Steering Group, everyone|Ongoing: new YP servers recruited from Autumn 22|
||Review our liturgy, icons, artwork & memorials to see if they are racially just|Steering Group|Achieved: 10.6.22 new order ofservice approved forAll SaintsSunday
with Thanksgiving for the Holy Ones of God more representative of
worldwide church, in use from 30.10.22; 14.6.22 purchased African
Nativity set; 29.6.22 PCC approved £250 budget for new books for
children’s library and other children’s resources; July 22 new children’s
books bought|
||Explore what we need to grow in our theological understanding of racial justice|Steering Group|
Ongoing: from 2021, aspiration to devote 3 Sundays a year to racial
justice: Racial Justice Sunday in February, the Sunday in June nearest
Windrush Day, and All Saints, with an outside member of the clergy to
preach on one of these Sundays and lay members of the congregation on
the other two; 11.2.22 Purchased Africa Bible Commentary for reference
by preachers etc_._|
|**_5. B ecoming safer_**|Ask our Parish Safeguarding Officer ('PSO') to report on whether in line with our Safeguarding Policy (a)
all staff and officers’ DBS checks are in place (b) all parish safeguarding roles are filled (c) a system is in
place to ensure safeguarding training is kept up to date (d) there is any more we can do to create a
safeguarding culture in and around our church|PCC, PSO|Ongoing. Initial report by PSO to PCC 17.11.21, recommendations
adopted; Parish Safeguarding Dashboard now in active use as tool to
monitor ongoing compliance with relevant Guidance|
|**_6. T he o ther 5 ‘ key_**
**_Lo ndo n 2030_**
**_mission themes’_**|_(i.e. 1: mental health and isolation; 2 modern slavery, refugees & asylum seekers; 3 debt and financial_
_wellbeing; 4 serious youth violence; 5 housing and homelessness)_Monitor and promote opportunities for
training and/or guidance in these and other areas, for example via Compassionate Communities|
Vicar|Ongoing|
|**_7. R eview_** _this M ission Ac_|_tion Plan regularly and where appropriate update it_|PCC|Ongoing|
4 Section 2(2)(a) of the 1956 Measure. 5 As required by Regulation 40 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (see http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/629/regulation/40/made).
3
As part of its function, the PCC also controls the parish’s financial resources and accounts for its stewardship of them in its annual financial statements, which are presented separately pursuant to Rule M5(1)(c) of the CRR.
Topics addressed during the year under review included, in addition to the MAP goals and actions listed above and the activities listed later in this Report, consideration of the _Covenant for Clergy Care and Wellbeing_ adopted by General Synod as an Act of Synod in 2020, which encourages a mutual commitment by clergy and laity _‘to work together to coordinate and improve our approach to clergy care and wellbeing so that the whole Church may flourish in the service of the mission of God’_ . A significant outcome of the PCC’s engagement with this was a decision to seek, in 2024, to recruit a part-time Parish Administrator to reduce the administrative burden currently borne by the Vicar.
## **(2) The activities of the Parish generally**
## **Public worship**
Sunday services were maintained in church throughout the year and livestreamed for those preferring to remain at home for whatever reason. Some of those unable to connect digitally or attend in person continued to be supported by weekly bulletins delivered to their homes. Services continued to be enriched musically by St Michael’s _Singing Group_ and _Choir_ . Thanks are due, in particular, to _Mabel Anyiam_ (Singing Group leader), _Jon Hart_ (Acting Director of Music) and _Elizabeth Bower_ (Organist). _Weekday morning Eucharists_ continued, and _online Evening Prayer on Thursdays_ continued to be open to all.
## **Pastoral Care, Nurture and Outreach**
Overall responsibility for pastoral care lies with the Vicar, who during the year received valuable help and support from (in particular): _David Carr_ and _Maggie Hamand_ (Licensed Lay Ministers); _Godwin Ogholo_ (Commissioned Pastoral Assistant); and _Jimmy Asakes_ and _Lily Ejeka_ (who both served as Churchwardens throughout the year and who will step down at the 2024 Annual Parochial Church Meeting, having both completed 6 years in post, the maximum permitted term of office). Significant areas of pastoral care, nurture and outreach included the following:
- (a) **Easter and Christmas:** As in previous years, before _Holy Week_ and in _Advent_ , attractive Easter and Christmas cards featuring images from the fine artwork in St Michael’s church and containing details of and invitations to upcoming services and other events were distributed across the parish by members of the congregation, and in the run-up to Christmas, an enthusiastic group of _Carol Singers_ sang in various locations including _Broadway Market_ and the _Blackstone Estate_ , publicising our Christmas services and increasing our local profile.
- (b) **Children and Youth Ministry:** Ministry with children and young people was taken forward in several ways:
- Sunday sessions of _All Stars_ (for primary school age children) have continued, thanks to support from Coordinator _Debra Jeffrey_ and others.
- Ministry with _Young People_ continued, including several young people assisting as _Altar Servers_ and at _St Michael’s Christmas Fete_ and participation in Christian Aid’s _London Freedom Walk 2023_ on Saturday 13 May.
- With the cost of living crisis continuing to making it difficult for many families to get a Summer break away, we hosted 6 much appreciated _outings and events_ , coordinated by _Cathie Smith_ and others, on days spread throughout the school Summer Holidays, meeting the cost of travel outside London, some activities and food where applicable from _Hackney Parochial Charities Ministers Discretionary Grants Funds_ . Total attendance was 43 adults and 35 children.
- Our strong relationship with _St Paul’s with St Michael’s CE Primary School_ (‘SPWSM’) continued, with
- i. _Weekly Assemblies in School_ , supported by a team including, in addition to the Vicar, _Jon Hart_ , a member of St Michael’s, and _Gavin and Mary Dunn, Ministers at the Salvation Army, Cambridge Heath_ ;
- ii. A _Service of Blessing_ for the School at the start of the Autumn Term and new School Year;
- iii. School Services in Church on _Ash Wednesday_ ; at the end of the Spring Term, marking _Holy Week and Easter_ ; at the end of the Summer Term, commemorating the achievements of _Leavers_ and the end of the School Year; at _Harvest_ , with a substantial and generous collection from the school community for _Hackney Foodbank_ ; and at the end of the Autumn Term, celebrating _Christmas_ ;
- iv. Termly _Eucharists_ for each Key Stage;
- v. An annual _Memorial Service_ for each Key Stage to support those bereaved or grieving in the school community;
- vi. During the Summer Term, an after-school _Junior Choir_ for members of the Junior School (Key Stage 2) supported by _Jon Hart_ , _Elizabeth Bower_ and _Cathie Smith_ ;
- vii. A _Course on the Christian faith_ for Year 6 pupils, leading to _Confirmation_ for those wishing it; and
- viii. The Vicar and 2 other church members serving as _Governors_ during the year.
- During the year, _Local Community Primary Schools_ brought classes and year groups on _visits_ to St Michael’s church with structured programmes delivering part of their RE Curricula. During the year, 4
4
groups visited from _Gayhurst School_ , 3 from _London Fields School_ and 2 each from _Kingsmead and Mandeville Schools_ .
- St Michael’s in collaboration with ecumenical partners continued to contribute funding to support a Borough Leader for the Christian detached Youth Work charity _XLP_ https://www.xlp.org.uk/, whose vision is _‘creating positive futures for young people’_ .
- (c) **Adult Education, Nurture, Spirituality and Fellowship:** Fortnightly _Bible Studies_ continued on Thursday lunchtimes, alternating with the fortnightly _Social Group_ (formerly _Craft Group_ ) which continued thanks to coordination by _Rebecca Marques_ . During Lent members of St Michael’s participated with members of other churches in South Hackney in an _Ecumenical Lent Course_ exploring prayer in different strands of the Christian tradition.
- (d) **Occasional Offices:** During the year 8 _baptisms_ took place, 11 people were _confirmed_ and parish clergy officiated at 3 _funerals_ (all in church).
- (e) **Racial Justice:** The _Steering Group_ set up in 2020 as a Committee of the PCC, prompted by the _Black Lives Matter_ movement, to help us strive for greater racial justice in the church and the world continued its work. The action taken during the year in furtherance of commitments in our current Mission Action Plan included 3 main Sunday services focusing on this issue: _Racial Justice Sunday_ (the second Sunday in February), _Windrush Sunday_ in June and _All Saints Sunday_ on 30 October, with an ordained Guest Preacher at the first, and, at the other two, lay members of the congregation preaching from their experience in this area.
- (f) **Safeguarding** : With support from our _Parish Safeguarding Officers_ , _Dorian Stewart_ and _Samantha O’Loughlin_ , the PCC has sought to comply with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. In particular, during the year it received regular reports from its _Safeguarding Officers_ , continued to seek to adhere to safer recruitment practices in relation to individuals working with children and vulnerable adults in accordance with relevant guidance issued by the National Church and the Diocese of London,[6] including the provision of appropriate safeguarding training, and utilised the _Parish Safeguarding Dashboard_ provided by the Diocese of London in order to monitor compliance.
The PCC records its gratitude to everyone who helped with these activities.
## **Ecumenical**
For the 11[th] year running, during the _Week of Prayer for Christian Unity_ (18-25 January) St Michael’s joined 7 other local churches spread across 5 different denominations, each of which hosted a service on one of the 8 days of the Week, and during Lent (as noted above) participated with other churches in South Hackney in an _Ecumenical Lent Course_ . St Michael’s and our neighbours at _Hackney Methodist Church_ in Mare Street also continued our collaboration in response to the Anglican-Methodist Covenant signed in 2003 (http://www.anglican-methodist.org.uk/full-text-of-the-covenant/), with members of St Michael’s once again joining _Hackney Methodist Church_ for their annual _Covenant Service_ in January and members of Hackney Methodist Church coming to St Michael’s for our _Patronal Festival (St Michael & All Angels)_ in September.
## **Social, Community and Environmental Engagement**
During 2023:
- (a) Under St Michael’s _Open Church Programme_ , the church building, which is listed (Grade II) and a beautiful sacred space, was open to visitors and the wider community most Wednesday mornings in furtherance of our mission to be _Open to All_ . During colder months, in response to the impact rising energy costs have had on many in our community, the church was heated during Open Church sessions in colder weather and promoted as a _warm welcome space_ .[7] The PCC records its gratitude to those volunteering as stewards.
- (b) _St Michael’s Church Hall_ continues to be an important asset in our Social and Community engagement. Benefiting from a fully-equipped kitchen, Wifi, a broadband-connected 55” TV screen in the hall, and disabled access and WC facilities for mobility-restricted users, it is a valuable community resource for hire by community groups wishing to operate in London Fields. In addition to our own use of this space, regular users during the year included:
- _Perform Workshops_ (children’s drama classes)
- _Hackney Ballet_ (offering lessons for children and adults)
- _Zip Zap Music_ (drama and sensory classes for under 5s)
- _Baby Sensory_ (sensory classes for babies)
- _8th Haggerston (St. Michael’s) Rainbows, Brownies and Guides_
- _Puppy Training Classes_
> 6 National Church: see https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/policy-and-practice-guidance/templates-and-resources, particularly the Parish Safeguarding Handbook https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/ParishSafeGuardingHandBookAugust2019Web.pdf, the House of Bishops’ guidance _‘Promoting a Safer Church; Safeguarding Policy Statement’_ https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/201712/PromotingSaferChurchWeb.pdf and _‘Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance’_ , see https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-e-manual/safer-recruitment-and-people-management-guidance). Diocese of London: see https://safeguarding.london.anglican.org/parish-resources/).
> 7 Registered on https://www.warmwelcome.uk/#find-a-space
5
- _Sing and Sign baby classes_
- _Moving Shadow Karate Club_
- a _Playgroup/Book club_ for Japanese speaking children
- _Divine Youth Association’s Youth Forum_
- _His Grace Gospel Ministry Church, Hackney_
- _Eternal Sacred Order of The Morning Star Church_ ; and
- _House of Prayer Church, Hackney_
St Michael’s Hall is also used as a polling station and for children’s parties and other social gatherings.
- (c) In response to the General Synod’s resolution in 2020 calling on Parishes to work towards _net zero carbon emissions by 2030_ , and building on its award in 2022 of a _Bronze Certificate_ under A Rocha’s _Eco Church Programme_ (an Award Scheme for churches who want to demonstrate that our Christian faith is good news for God’s earth), in April St Michael’s obtained an _Eco Audit Report_ , generously funded by _City Bridge Trust_ , in order to help St Michael’s make progress towards Net Zero. Recommendations included: insulating cavity walls and roofs, secondary glazing to the windows in the Hall, replacement of old gas boilers with electric heating options to move to net-zero heating, and solar panel and battery storage installation. In June, the PCC resolved that in principle, and subject to funding, it wished to implement some or all of these recommendations. Since then, it has been obtaining the professional advice needed to take forward this important project.
- (d) St Michael’s long-established annual _Christmas Fete_ was held in the church and hall, thanks to the hard work of _Sue Carr, Sally Smith, Dave Carr, Bill O’Loughlin, Sam O’Loughlin, Cathie Smith_ and many others, giving St Michael’s a visible presence in the community and raising a welcome £2,121.60 for church funds.
- (e) _Collections_ or _donations_ were made for:
- _The Diocesan Lent Appeal 2023_ , a money collection to raise funds to help train people in Mozambique to provide pastoral care and support for those suffering from trauma;
- _Student Christian Movement_ ; and
- _Hackney Foodbank:_
- _i._ By money collections at our Carol Singing and Carol Service, which raised £392.72; and
- _ii._ As in previous years, in Lent and at Harvest, collections of tinned food and other long-life goods to support families and individuals in crisis. The Lent collection raised raised 40.9kg of provisions, and in the Harvest one 150.7kg were donated.
- (f) The letting of the _Church Flat_ to a refugee family from Syria, completed in 2017, continued during the year.
## **Care, maintenance and improvement of the Church Buildings**
The most substantial work undertaken during the year was the repair of the church bell and the replacement of its electric tolling unit with a new, fully pre-programmable one which, after local consultation, has been programmed to ring the hours daily between 10am and 6pm inclusive. Repairs to the rest of the fabric were also carried out as needed, as was routine maintenance in accordance with the PCC’s Annual Maintenance Plan. Further details are contained in the Churchwardens’ separate Fabric Report prepared under Rule M5(1)(d) of the CRR. The PCC records its gratitude to the Churchwardens for their ongoing work in maintaining the fabric.
_The Revd Daniel Gerrans, Chair for and on behalf of the Parochial Church Council 3 March 2024_
6
## **FINANCES**
## **The Financial Statements of the Council for the year ending on 31 December 2023**
## **Statement of the PCC's financial responsibilities**
Charity law requires the PCC to prepare accounts for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the charity's state of affairs at the end the year and of its income and expenditure for the year.
In preparing those accounts, the PCC is required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that it will continue in its activities.
The PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the entity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011 and other relevant legislation. It is also responsible for safeguarding the assets and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
## **Review of financial position**
The results for the year and financial position are set out below. The PCC thanks all who have contributed in any way to church funds, especially those giving regularly through stewardship programmes, which have enabled the Parish to remain financially resilient and in particular to sustain and increase its contribution to the Diocesan Common Fund.
## **Reserves policy**
Reserves are held for the furtherance of the PCC’s charitable objects, including as provision for significant unexpected but necessary expenditure.
Approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by:
_The Revd Daniel Gerrans, Chair, for and on behalf of the Parochial Church Council 3 March 2024_
7
**ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LONDON FIELDS with ST PAULS HAGGERSTON**
## **Independent Examiner's report to the members of Parochial Church Council (PCC)**
I report on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent Examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
Note 8 provides details of the church flat which is managed by the PCC; it has a current valuation of £300,000 and has not been included on the balance sheet.
I have no other concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Rev John Irwin FCA AMCT Chartered Accountant
Date: 22 February 2024
8
**ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LONDON FIELDS with ST PAULS HAGGERSTON STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2023**
|**INCOME**
**Donations, legacies and grants**
Church collection
Freewill offerings
Donations and gifts
Charitable collections
Grants received
Donations to restricted funds
Income tax refund
**Other activities**
Rent:
Church and hall
Flat
Fees
Fetes and events
Other income
**Investment income**
Interest and increase in value of fund assets
**Total incoming resources**
**EXPENDITURE**
London Diocese (Common fund)
London Diocese (Fees)
Staff expenses
Youth work expenses
Music and organist
Repairs and refurbishment:
Church
Flat
Garden
Vicarage
Insurance and security
Gas and electricity
Water rates
Cleaning
Consumables
Stationery, books and advertising
Telephone and internet
Social events
Other
Independent Examiners fee
Charity and gifts (from general funds)
Charity and gifts
**Total expenditure**
Transfer between funds
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**FUNDS brought forward**
**FUNDS carried forward**|2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Designated
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
£
5,757
5,757
5,668
26,447
26,447
24,662
3,726
3,726
1,395
1,094
1,094
739
999
2,500
3,499
5,120
-
-
8,043
8,043
7,506
30,935
30,935
23,585
18,522
18,522
16,225
985
985
1,774
2,173
2,173
2,143
-
898
2,771
9,458
12,229
(7,247)
**101,452**
**2,500**
**9,458**
**113,410**
**82,468**
50,000
50,000
45,000
450
450
904
564
564
10
197
246
443
1,526
1,383
1,383
608
-
-
9,634
9,634
9,806
1,065
1,065
1,031
530
530
897
-
-
5137
5,137
4,477
3746
3,746
7,725
264
264
192
1071
1,071
327
992
992
759
1265
1,265
1,759
492
492
639
20
20
-
120
120
-
0
-
900
634
1,216
1,850
1,721
894
894
439
**78,460**
**1,462**
**0**
**79,922**
**78,720**
(1,000)
1,000
**21,992**
**1,038**
**10,458**
**33,488**
**3,748**
**114,675**
**4,607**
**82,568**
**201,850**
**198,102**
**136,667**
**5,645**
**93,026**
**235,338**
**201,850**|
|---|---|
9
## **ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LONDON FIELDS with ST PAULS HAGGERSTON BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 2023**
|Note
**Current assets**
Investments - Trust Fund
2
**Current assets**
Cash at bank
Debtors
3
**Total current assets**
**Creditors: amounts falling due**
**within one year**
4
**Net current assets**
**Total net assets**
6
**Funds**
**Unrestricted Funds**
**Restricted Funds**
5
**Designated Funds**
**Total funds**|2023
2022
£
£
84,226
74,768
150,412
127,887
1,700
1,500
152,112
129,387
(1,000)
(2,305)
151,112
127,082
235,338
201,850
136,667
114,675
5,645
4,607
93,026
82,568
235,338
201,850|
|---|---|
These accounts were approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by
Date: 3 March 2024
The Revd Daniel Gerrans For the Parochial Church Council
10
**ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LONDON FIELDS with ST PAULS HAGGERSTON**
**NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **1.1 Basis of preparation**
The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations' 'true and fair view' provisions, together with FRS 102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP (FRS 102)).
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention, except for investments which are shown at market value.
The financial statements are prepared in £ sterling rounded to the nearest £.
## **1.2 Income recognition**
Income represents amounts received from freewill offerings, church collections and donations, and other sources of income from specific church activities, which are recognised as follows:
- Collections and other giving are recognised when received;
- Donations and grants are recognised when received unless a specific pledge or contract has been received;
- Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid is recognised with the relevant income;
- Funds raised by the fete and similar events are recognised when received;
- Rental income from the rent of the church premises is recognised when due;
- Investment gains or losses are recognised at the year end.
## **1.3 Expenditure**
All expenses are considered as charitable expenditure, being the costs incurred directly and indirectly in the delivery of its charitable purposes.
Expenses are recognised when the liability is incurred.
## **1.4 Unrestricted, restricted & designated funds**
Unrestricted funds represent the funds of the PCC which are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for the general purposes of the PCC.
Restricted funds are to be used for specified purposes as laid down by the donor. Direct expenditure which meets these criteria are assigned to the funds.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds that the PCC has chosen to allocate for a specified purpose. These funds may be un-designated and returned to the unrestricted fund.
## **1.5 Cash**
Cash includes cash held at banks in current and deposit accounts, and cash in hand; it is a basic financial asset under FRS102.
## **2 Investments**
The investments are held in shares in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund which is managed by CCLA and are included at market value.
11
**ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LONDON FIELDS with ST PAULS HAGGERSTON**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
|**3**
**Debtors**
Income tax recoverable
**4**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Accruals|2023
2022
£
£
1,700
1,500
1,700
1,500
2023
2022
£
£
1,000
2,305
1,000
2,305|
|---|---|
## **5 Restricted and Designated Funds**
Restricted funds comprise:
## **Grants received**
Grant income received for specified purposes has been allocated to restricted funds. The PCC gratefully acknowledges grants received during the year from the **Hackney Parochial Charities** (£2,500 received) for relief of individuals in need (2022: £2,000) and a grant of £999 under the Listed Places of Worship scheme for repairs to the building.
## Designated funds comprise:
## **Trust Fund**
The Trust Fund comprises the balance of the proceeds of the sale of church premises sold in 1986 and the use of both capital and income may be used for any ecclesiastical purpose within the parish, in accordance with the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956. The PCC has adopted a policy to designate the use of the Trust Fund as follows: until further resolution and where possible: (i) capital should be preserved; (ii) future income should be reinvested as an accretion to capital; and (iii) the Trust Fund should be used for capital (not revenue) expenditure which will make or contribute to a lasting improvement to the church or hall.
## **Vicarage Repair Fund**
Unrestricted funds are transferred into a designated fund to provide for the future redecoration of the Vicarage when needed.
12
**ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LONDON FIELDS with ST PAULS HAGGERSTON**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
|**6**
**Net assets attributable to the funds**
Fixed assets
Investments
Current Assets
Cash
Debtors
Current liabilities
Net assets represented by funds
**7**
**Summary of funds**
Unrestricted
Restricted Ministers - Discretionary Grant
Restricted - Bishops Waltham
Designated - Trust Fund
Designated - Vicarage Repair Fund|Unrestricted
Restricted
Designated
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
84,226
84,226
135,967
5,645
8,800
150,412
1,700
1,700|Unrestricted
Restricted
Designated
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
84,226
84,226
135,967
5,645
8,800
150,412
1,700
1,700|
|---|---|---|
||137,667
5,645
93,026
236,338
(1,000)
(1,000)||
||136,667
5,645
93,026
235,338||
|||£
136,667
5,645
-
84,225
8,800|
|||235,337|
## **8 Benefits in kind to community groups**
During the year St Michaels has allowed certain community groups to use church and hall space free of charge. These groups included The 8th Haggerston Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. Had rent been charged at the normal rates this would have amounted to £3,000 (2022 - £3,000).
## **9 Related party transactions**
There were no related party transactions during the year.
## **10 Other Assets**
## **Church flat**
The PCC undertakes the management of the flat and has the benefit of the rental income. The flat is part of the premises and like the rest of the building it is owned by the London Diocesan Fund.
The rental from the flat is recognised as income when it becomes due.
The balance sheet does not include a value for the flat. It is valued at £300,000 (2022 - £300,000).
13