2021-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St John And St Leonard Bedford

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ST JOHN & ST LEONARD BEDFORD

2021

Annual Report

and

Financial Statements

of the

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

For the year ended 31[st] December 2021

Incumbent

The Reverend Victoria Bryson The Rectory 36, St John’s Street Bedford MK42 0DH

St John’s Parish Office 38 St John’s Street Bedford MK42 0DL

Banks

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Deposit account

The Co-Operative Bank plc Community Direct Plus

Independent Examiner Mr Barrie Frost

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Examined

Bedford St John & St Leonard Bedford – Annual Report 2021

Background ( Aims and Purposes )

St John & St Leonard PCC (The PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent of the parish in promoting, within the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church. Its mission is to be “Showing Christ’s Love, Giving Hope and Bringing Peace” both inside and outside the church.

It has responsibilities for maintaining two worship centres in south Bedford together with associated land and buildings. The Church of St John the Baptist stands to the east of St John’s Street, Bedford, and the St Leonard’s Church Centre lies on the north side of Victoria Road, Bedford.

The PCC is a body corporate [PCC (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended, Church Representation Rules (Synodical Government) Measure 1969 as amended] and is a charity registered with the Charities Commission. Registration number 1131545. The members of the PCC are the trustees. Until 2009 the PCC was an exempt organisation, being part of the Church of England.

The Charitable aims are described in the registration. In carrying out its activities, the PCC are able to confirm that there are clear benefits to the public and specific sections thereof, in accordance with the public benefit guidance published by the Charities Commission. The activities carried out to further its purposes for the public benefit are described in this report. Two separate charitable funds, the Gertrude Day and Welbourne Charities, are managed by the Rector and wardens who are jointly the sole trustees. These charities are independent of the PCC.

Structure, Governance and Management

PCC Membership

Incumbent: The Revd Victoria Bryson Rector Wardens: Mr Mark Whalan Mrs Hilary Searle Representatives Mrs Delyth Arrowsmith (re-elected October 2020) On Deanery Synod: Mrs Sue Williams (from October 2020) Mr David Lambert (Diocesan Synod member) Reader : Mr David Lambert Treasurer & Member of Diocesan Synod Elected Members: Mr Simon Brocklehurst + Miss Jess Dell + Mrs Liz Ewang + Mrs Margaret Lambert – Co-opted July 2021 Alan Ledwick + Luisa Moreton (from 25[th] April 2021 to run to April 2024) Ms Val Swanborough + Ms Shaiyani Weerasinghe + (until June 2021) Mrs Catherine Whalan + Mrs Sue Williams + Lay Vice Chair Those marked + were elected for 3 years to run to April 2023

PCC Secretary: Ms Tracey Woodwards

The full PCC met 6 times during the year (remotely on-line), with an overall 92% attendance. The Standing Committee met between meetings and reports of activities and actions were received by the PCC and discussed where necessary.

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Examined

Parish Safeguarding Officer – Mrs Margaret Lambert is a co-opted member of the PCC who reports on safeguarding matters and ensures that proper safeguarding practice underpins all that we do.

Due to restrictions on movement, and in accordance with Government, Diocesan and Bishops’ guidelines the APCM was held on 25[th] April 2021, with participation online as well as in person.

Other Ministers

Accredited Lay Minister : Ms. Jill Thomas Honorary Assistant Minister : The Revd Phil Bryson Diocesan Lay Ministry Adviser Community Minister Mrs. Deborah Nicholls (left April 2021)

Committees

Standing: Transacts the business of the PCC between meetings subject to any directions * given by the PCC. Members identified as above .

Finance: Sets operating budgets, provides regular updates to the PCC, manages the stewardship scheme, reclaims tax on gift aid donations, keeps books, manages cash flow, maintains appropriate financial controls and produces annual reports. The team consists of the Chair (Treasurer), Angela Locke (Bookkeeper), Chris Moss (Gift Aid), Hilary Searle (Salaries), and a churchwarden. Jill Thomas manages the Weekly Planned Envelope Scheme. The allocation of money to missions is undertaken by the PCC.

Buildings and Land: Manages the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and associated land under the Church Wardens and invites others on an ad-hoc basis depending on skills required.

Responding to the pandemic

As we moved into 2021 lockdown restrictions remained and our morning worship services moved back onto ‘Zoom’ once more with written Bible reflections continuing to be circulated twice per week by email and post. We also began zoom based ‘Coffee and Chat’ sessions to give members of the congregation a chance to catch up with each other midweek. We returned to ‘in person’ Sunday services on 18[th] April at St John’s Church and to ‘in person’ midweek services at St Leonard’s Church Centre on 5[th] May. This pattern continued until September 2021 when we were able to open both of our Church centres for in person worship and Sunday morning pattern was established with the location of the morning service alternating between the Church Centres. We returned to having 2 in person evening services at St John’s but unfortunately had to end our midweek service provision. To ensure that everyone was able to take part, all services at St John’s church were also livestreamed onto Zoom.

Our hall remained closed for the first part of the year but reopened in April. Since then we have been able to welcome back our community groups who regularly use the St John’s Church Hall and St Leonard’s Church Centre.

While the pandemic has taken it’s toll on our Church community, as it has across the world, 2021 has been a year of rebuilding hope and establishing our vision for moving forward.

Staff and volunteers

Both of our staff members remained on furlough for the early part of 2021 with our Administrator and Cleaner returning full time from the beginning of June.

Our financial position meant that we had no option but to make our Community Minister (Deborah Nicholls) redundant and she remained on furlough until her last day of employment at the end of April.

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Examined

We are very grateful to Simon Brocklehurst who has continued his responsibilities as Music Director and has adapted wonderfully to the demands of the pandemic providing musical worship on ‘zoom’ during the periods of lockdown and providing vital assistance during the periods of meeting together in Church to enable musical worship to be streamed to those joining at home. We also give thanks for Dan Payton who has joined the musical worship team and assists Simon in both online and in person services.

Upon our return to in person services at St John’s Church, new equipment was purchased to ensure that those who felt vulnerable entering the Church building were still able to feel included and connected in our worship services. Our thanks go to the team of people who have volunteered to run ‘Zoom’ both in Church and at home to ensure that we were able to offer this provision throughout the remainder of the year and on into 2022.

~~.~~ Our thanks go to the Rector and all the staff for their unstinting effort for the work of Christ in our midst.

In addition to those specifically mentioned above, the enormous amount of unpaid work done by a large number of people, in particular David Lambert, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord is acknowledged. This enables the buildings, the church activities, the outreach and the church itself as a fellowship to function and grow.

Safeguarding

We are delighted that Margaret Lambert continued in her role as Deputy Parish Safeguarding Officer and that, since May 2021, she has taken on the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer

St John’s and St Leonard’s have a documented safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults, which is in line with the Diocesan policy and thereby pays due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding. Appropriate procedures are followed and relevant appointments made. The PCC includes safeguarding as a standing agenda item and receives regular reports. The policy is reviewed annually by the PCC.

The PSO maintains the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard tool as a continuous process. This enables the PSO and diocese to check that all the requirements of the policies are in place. It highlights areas that are complete and enables an ordered process to the safeguarding requirements of the church.

Church attendance

In 2021 the electoral roll was updated in accordance with the requirements of General Synod. At the 2021 APCM the Electoral Roll stood at 62, a reduction of 2 from the 2020 APCM (64). Of those on the roll 19 live in the parish, although a significant proportion live within close proximity of the Parish. We have 2 places on Deanery Synod.

As mentioned earlier, this year has been unusual in terms of Church attendance. During the times when the Church has been closed and meetings have taken place on ‘Zoom’ we have had a regular attendance of approximately 30 adults and between 1 and 4 children. Since the return to ‘in person’ Sunday morning services, our regular weekly attendance has been approximately 35 adults and approximately 6 children with the vast majority joining in person and up to 5 joining on Zoom.

Our Lent course took place via Zoom and followed ‘The Prayer Course II’. It was attended by approximately 15 people.

We celebrated Easter on ‘Zoom’ but were able to return to services in Church for Christmas with Christingle taking place at St Leonard’s and our Carol Service, Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services all taking place at St John’s and via Zoom (with the exception of Blue Christmas which was solely in person for pastoral reasons).

We held 3 Funerals in 2021, 1 took place at St John’s Church and the other 2 were at the crematorium.

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Examined

During the year, in addition to regular leaders and preachers, the congregations benefitted from the ministries of Stefan Kaye from Tearfund, The Revd Richard Moy and the Revd John Bell

Buildings

General: The care and use of the buildings and land is considered to be an important aspect of the church’s stewardship of resources in its care. This is achieved through regular cleaning, maintenance and upkeep; also the appropriate use of the buildings.

St John’s Church : Routine maintenance was carried out during the year. It is a Grade 1 Listed Building having been re-listed in 2018. St John’s Hall: Regular maintenance has been carried out, working parties carrying out wider cleaning and maintenance on the hall and grounds. St Leonard’s Church Centre: Regular maintenance has been carried out, and the premises are maintained in good order. The adjacent car park remains secured, and infrequently used.

Curate’s House : Since June 2013 this has been rented out on a commercial basis on a formal short-term tenancy managed by a local agent. The intent is for the net income is shared between the Diocese and the PCC proportionate to the equity share (approx. 70/30). The PCC is engaging with the Diocese over the future of the building, which provides a valuable asset for a future curate.

Achievements and Performance

Details of our approach to Mission, (how we deliver the charitable aims and objectives) are described in the Mission Action Plan (MAP) which was fully reviewed, updated and submitted to the Diocese of St Albans on 24[th] July 2019. A Vision Day was held on 10[th] July 2021 giving all members of our community a chance to share their views on our ongoing mission plans. In October 2021 a small team went to a ‘Leading Your Church into Growth’ residential conference to receive training in mission and Church growth. The learning from this conference and the conversations undertaken will form a key part of our Mission Action Plan which will be revised in 2022.

Outreach and Service within the Local Community

Our weekly “Toddlers” group was able to recommence face to face meetings from April 2021 providing support to those in the local community, led by Alison Clark of “Praise and Play”. The ‘toddler Facebook group’ set up and run by Alison has also continued to support our toddler families. The coffee morning held every two weeks at St Leonard’s recommenced in September 2021 which has been a great blessing to those who attend. Unfortunately, the bi-monthly services at Bedford Hospital (South Wing) have not been able to meet due to lockdown restrictions In addition, from April 2021, the St John’s Hall and St Leonard’s Hall were made available again to local community groups including, among others, antenatal classes, baby massage, NCT meetings, Bedford Pipe Band, Locomotive Club of Great Britain (Bedford Branch), Bedford Hospital Cardiac re-habilitation The Borough Council and elections. Car Parking is provided free of charge for the staff and SMART support workers. Unfortunately, we have not been able to recommence “ Open the Book ”, in our local schools, Cauldwell and Shackleton, due to ongoing restrictions but we remain hopeful that this can return in 2022.

At the beginning of the year gifts were sent to our local Funeral Directors and School Staff to thank them for the work they had been doing in the community. A gift was also sent to the testing centre at Faraday Centre. These were extremely well received.

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Examined

Wider Mission

In 2021 the H arvest appeal went towards the Bishop’s Harvest Appeal “Water is Life” and Christian Aid relief support in Haiti following a major earthquake. The Christingle appeal supported the Children’s Society . As a result of the exceptional legacy gift the PCC resolved to give 10% to mission organisations, which will appear in the 2022 accounts

Home activities

In addition to services held at St John’s Church and St Leonard’s Centre, a wide variety of activities were undertaken to support the Church Family. Our original Church Home group continued to meet online and meeting fortnightly to worship, study the Bible, provide mutual support and offer acts of service to our local community within the parish and across Bedford. A second Home group also began in the summer which meets weekly online for worship, Bible study and fellowship. Regular daytime prayer meetings also continued online to offer prayer and support. Members of the congregation also kept in touch with each other by phone.

Vocations, Deanery, Diocese and wider Anglican Communion

During 2021 AJ Wade was commissioned as a Lay Leader of Worship for the benefice and Sue Williams was commissioned as a Discipleship Enabler. In September Simon Brocklehurst began his training as a Discipleship Enabler.

. Deanery representatives participated in Deanery Synod meetings, and one, David Lambert, is an elected member of the Diocesan Synod and serves on the Diocesan Property Committee.

The Bedford Good Friday Act of Witness was cancelled due to the Coronavirus restrictions. The congregations continue to be kept up to date with developments across the Anglican communion, both through local information, teaching and through wider missionary contacts.

Financial Review and Stewardship

Finance:

During 2021 we continued to use the PAXTON accounting package (for the eleventh year), the software accords with the accounting regulations, SORP 2015. David Lambert was re-appointed by the PCC as “Treasurer”. Angela Locke very capably manages the book-keeping. and the administrator deals with invoicing, receipt of payments and payment for bills. Following the Government enforced move of our current account from Royal Bank of Scotland in September 2019 payments are now being made on-line, with dual signatories as recommended by the Charity Commission. The RBS Deposit account remained in place for the duration of 2021.

Total incoming resources for 2021 were £156,142 , up from £120,788 in 2020, benefitting from Grants amounting to £19,298 from Bedford Borough Council, a legacy gift of £43,049 and £3,410 from the Government Job Retention Grants (Furlough scheme). The reduction is predominantly the result of loss of income due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and associated restrictions, including total loss of hire income and cash offerings.

We are particularly grateful to regular donors who continued to maintain their planned giving during 2021. The move to most donors paying by standing order or on-line banking over the past few years has been of great benefit during the pandemic restrictions.

£8,427 income from the rental of the curate’s house is included, of which it is the intention that £5,812 (the net income apportioned by equity share) is held to be passed in due course to the Diocese after deduction and apportionment of expenses such as insurance and maintenance. In practice this is retained within the equity value of the property as explained elsewhere.

All giving is treated as “open giving”, unless specifically designated otherwise by the donor, which is to say that donors leave the allocation of use of the giving to the discretion of the PCC. In response to the changing patterns of individual mission support, and economic circumstances, the PCC continued the pattern set in 2010 with the intention of the proportion being taken from all income (except specific gifts, grants and restricted income), set initially at 10% subject to frequent review. During 2019 it had become apparent that this was not sustainable in the way it had been managed previously, and other that specifically identified gifts including those for Harvest and Christingle that 10% was not sent off to the usual mission partners, although the amount spent on mission activities exceeds those gifts.

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Examined

Gift Aid tax income amounted to £10,725, approximately the budgeted amount of £10,687. The Small Donations Gift Aid Scheme (SDGAS) contributed £153 of this amount . Gift aid recovered on restricted gifts is allocated in line with the restrictions placed on those gifts, for example Harvest or Christingle in 2021.

Income for wider mission As explained above, the practice of devoting 10% of total giving through gift aid, envelope scheme, cash offerings, lettings and general donations to specific wider mission organisations was suspended in 2019 in recognition of the realities of income, and the more holistic approach being taken towards mission. In 2021 the H arvest appeal raised £ 1719 towards the Bishop’s Harvest Appeal “Water is Life” and Christian Aid relief support in Haiti following a major earthquake. Christingle raised £320 towards the Children’s Society . As a result of the exceptional legacy gift the PCC resolved to give 10% (£4,300 ) to mission organisations, which will appear in the 2022 accounts. Details are given in Notes to accounts page 2.

Total Expenditure for 2021 was £119,597 compared with £110,532 in 2020. In order to maintain cash-flow and to allow a contingency against unavoidable staff costs in 2021, £6,000 had been held back from the Parish Share Contribution. Following receipt of the legacy this amount was paid to the Diocese, thereby fulfilling our Parish Share request for 2020. This compared with the initial £101,263 budget . This included the expenditure of restricted gifts, balanced by income such as for mission or specific purposes, Notable items of expenditure included heating and gutter repairs at St Leonard’s (all historic legacy gifts for St Leonard’s have now been used) the costs of clearing fly tipping, the redundancy payment, to the Community Minister in May, and a (balanced) farewell gift to Debbie following over 10 years of service in post.

Staff are paid at rates based on the “Real” living wage – in accordance with the recommendations of the “Living Wage Foundation”. We have ensured that they continued to be paid 100% of their usual pay during 2021. Pension arrangements have been made with the Church of England Pension Fund, who have provided an appropriate “disclosure notice” in accordance with the requirements of FRS 102.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , and the statutory requirement to close down rentals etc, the PCC managed unavoidable expenditure. Utility use was reduced, however the reductions in water standing charges were re-introduced, and the gas and electric standing charges were not discounted. The Community Minister had been furloughed from November 2020 (although because she was to be made redundant did not qualify for government payments from January 2021 due to a late change in the rules). The administrator and cleaner returned to work full time in January. This is described in the accounts as income. Through 2021 the PCC ran a continuing evolving “working budget”, having “noted” the initial deficit budget proposals in March 2021.

Accumulation of funds from rental of Curate’s House . £50,552 is now identified from the rental of the curate’s house, with the intention of passing that sum to the Diocesan Board of Finance (£2,606 from 2013, £6,585 from 2014, £6,077 from 2015, £6,019 from 2016, £5,453 from 2017, £6,111 from 2018, £6,000 from 2019, £6,100 from 2020 and £5,701 from 2021), based on sharing net income on an equity share basis. This is held within the equity of the property for payment.

Wider Mission Giving decreased from £3,145 in 2020 to £2,639 The overall financial resources devoted to “mission” exceeded this and included (but were not limited to) support of the Community Minister for the first few months of the year, and local initiatives such as support to those affected by COVID. The 2021 figure includes £100 ( £375 in 2020) given from St Leonard’s coffee morning. the Christingle element of which is included within the main accounts ( see notes to accounts page 2 )

Financial Explanation and Outlook

The initial budget for 2021 as presented to the PCC in March was noted at a deficit of £12,291 which was not acceptable to the PCC, and measures were put in place to develop a budget which would be sustainable whilst protecting core service and expenditure, including staff and building costs. the PCC ran a closely scrutinised “working budget”, sought grants and took advantage of the Government job retention scheme. as explained above,

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Examined

This does mean that we go into 2022 with a fmancial reserve. but with a backlog of expenditure to maintain existing infrastrncture and irnprove security.202? remains a challenge, there is a continuing reliance to the tune of £8,0(K> w year on income from the curate's house. rentals are not yet back up to pre-pandemic levels and underlying giving s Still depressed.. The challenge to the PCC is to continue to deliver Charitsble Objectives (Aims and Purposes) within the ¢ontin45iTrg financial constraints. The PCC is addressing these issues, to ensure that financial stability is maintained to deliver the Church's Viston, as defined in the parish "Nfjission Action Plan" Re.¥enY5 Poli In 2014 the PCC adopted the following Reserves policy: -It is ihe policy ofthe Pccto mainlain a balance (pf 2 monihs of uliity e¥pendilure. insurance and conlroctual commilmenls, including sularie&. li conJidered1h a eatasirophic evenl would require the use ofsuch a reserve, andihat oA-2oinggifv wouldcover Parish Share and oiher e-ypenses." At 2021 cost levels this requires £1.935 a total of £1.935 pm . a total of £3870 reserve. At 31° De¢ember the balance sheet shows £69518 cash in the bank. It is noted that the cash element of Ihc cndowment fund (the fabric fuDd) siiK)d at £30J25 with a fiwther £240 in restricted funds. This leaves £35.0 of free reserves. The designated amounts intended to be paid to the Dioccse with regard io letting of the curate's house have been utilised as a buffer to maintain cash flow. reducing the reserves. The amount is retained within the equity value of the propety. In accordance with the guidance to PCCS under the Chartties Act 2011 {scction 3.5) the PCC will contiiiuc to prioritise the cash position to Jnaintain the free reserves in line wilh th¢ ResCeS licy, whilst continuing to deliver the Charitabl¢ Objectives (Aims and Purpose5) . The PCC will keep this under close scrutiny in 2022. Stewardship: St John's and St Leonard's has always taken 5criously its approach to Christian Stewardship. in its widest sense. and has a high level of planned and tax-efficient giving. This has had strong benefits during 2021. During 2022 the PCC will be looking at how ive continue to be good stewards of that with which w¢ have IKen entrusted. and how assets can be best maintained and used as part of our ongoing mission. Conclusion Although this h&s been an incredibly tough year. we prdise God that He has been with us through the joys and challenges ive have experienced and look forward to His continued provision for ihis new season in the life of this Chuwh. We continue io pray thal we, as Christ""s B(xly, the Church in this part of Bedford. will be envisioned and empOwed to face the challenges of all that lies ahead as we seek to bear witness to our Lord Jesus ChrisL and live His Kingdom in our Parish and Town, and more widely throughoul the world. Synedon behalfofihe PCC The Reverend Vicki Bryson Rector, St John and St ttonard Bedford. Chair. St John's and St L£onards PCC Please note thai this rew>rt should be read in conjunction with the following documents: Statement of Financial Activities as at 31112r2021 (SOFA)- I page Balance Sheet as ai illlY20?1 ~ I page 2 pages of Notes to the accounts FRS102 Pension disclosure statement 2021 & Examiner's letter 2022 Approved ui ihe PCC meeling oh30ih March 2021 along wilh ihe a¥srtialed slatements of accowits lisled above ondBudget Comparisort SOFA deiail.. FRS102pension dis¢laFure stalemenl andE¥aminer s letter. Page 8 of 8 Examined

Charity Commission SOFA Report as at 31/12/2021

Page 1 of 1

Paxton

St Johns & St Leanords

Printed: 08/03/2022

	Unrestricted funds	Restricted Income funds	Endowment funds	Total funds	Prior year funds
Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activites Other trading activities Investments Separate material item of income Other	£ 130,703 7,876 0 1 0 11,459	£ 3,650 0 0 0 0 0	£ 0 0 0 2,453 0 0	£ 134,353 7,876 0 2,454 0 11,459	£ 96,938 8,548 0 3,873 0 11,429
Total	150,040	3,650	2,453	156,142	120,788
Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Separate material item of expense Other	0 117,561 0 0	0 1,230 0 0	0 806 0 0	0 119,597 0 0	-397 110,928 0 0
Total	117,561	1,230	806	119,597	110,532
Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains/(losses) Net gains/(losses) on investments Net income/(expenditure) Extraordinary items Transfers between funds	32,478 0 32,478 0 14,505	2,420 0 2,420 0 -2,764	1,647 12,266 13,913 0 -11,741	36,546 12,266 48,812 0 0	10,256 5,452 15,708 0 0
Other recognised gains/(losses): Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets for the charity's own use Othergains/(losses)	7,590 0	0 0	0 0	7,590 0	0 0
Net Movement in Funds	54,573	-344	2,172	56,402	15,708
Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward	2,104,542	584	28,153	2,133,279
Total funds carried forward	2,159,116	240	30,325	2,189,681

Paxton Charity CommissioD Bl•wte Shttt as ai 31112r2021 Pge l ofl Si Johns & St LeaTrord$ Printed: 08m312022 Llnrestt]iicd Prjw 5L'dr furxls Irthme Futyjs IntstTrgible as% Tan8ibl¢ asse Tn%'<£un¢nis ?.040.liO -2i.669 2.014.481 2.014.481 96.h70 li I t.lsi 122.3i9 670 84.4V4 ¥rreni sstiS Siocks I)ebiÉ¥s Tn%¢%¢m¢ns L'ash al bank and in 9.? 9.)27 18.530 145.150 1SLi53 .345 69Jl8 88.048 36.397 rtditvr5: amounts ra]lU d %.ithin one I'T rtei1rrert1asseflTbIleSj Trfrtl t75sets lÉss eArrre•i liolpilrfie5 diiors" amounts falling dve fter Ihan one NL Provistons for Id)ilili¢s 9?18 9.5111 8.22) 141.634 240 -66.345 78.530 41.984 2.1.49.116 2.189.681 2.133279 Total Dtt $sets or libililitS MNds of tht C.-baritv Ll.fj9.116 240 2.1119.681 2.133.279 EndoiTrmLnl lutuis Ke5tricted income tid5 Ilnrc51riclcd funds Re31?110 ivrtrve 8.lj3 24) 2.159.116 2,lig 116 2.104.yl? Toil fDDds 240 30JL4 1189.681 1133.279 SignLd bl. IKK IM'O mwc¢s on behalf of the trustee Diit of approTr*l Priit Nxmt So1o3/zo£ I

ST. JOHN AND ST. LEONARD P.C.C. BEDFORD.

"Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2021"

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP 2015 FRS 102. They follow the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.

(b) Funds

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds that are designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are still unrestricted. Restricted funds are from income that has been accepted subject to conditions about how it may be used. The restricted funds are given names that indicate their purpose and restrictions.

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. However, they do not include any accounts of church groups that are simply informal gatherings of church members.

At 31st December 2021 it was recognised that payments had been made from the general fund which should bave been taken from designated or restricted funds. These were adjusted by recorded journal entries.

(c) Incoming resources

Voluntary income and capital sources

Collections are recognised as income when they are received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving, under Gift Aid or otherwise, is also only recognised when it is received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised at the same time as the gift itself. Grants and legacies are accounted for as soon as the PCC has been notified of its legal entitlement and the amount is quantifiable and the PCC is reasonably certain of receiving it in due course.

The Church of St Johns and St Leonards does not usually engage in fund-raising activities. Some social activities are undertaken for which an admission charge is made (for example Harvest Supper) but these are regarded as part of the Church's outreach. In these circumstances proceeds are sometimes netted off against expenses where it is not reasonably practicable to separate some expenses and receipts (for example occassional refreshments and receipts) and the net cost is charged as a running cost under "Work of the Parish".

Other income

Rental income from letting of Church premises is recognised when the rental is due, although in 2020 income has only been recognised when paid. Bank deposit interest is accounted for as it accrues. Other investment income is accounted for when it is due and payable.

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on a revaluation every 31st December.

(d) Resources used

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded if the awarding creates a binding obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when payable: any amount unpaid at 31 December would be provided for as an operational liability, but St Johns and St Leonards pays it monthly and the amount paid at 31st December 2021 has been confirmed.

(e) Fixed assets

Consecrated land and buildings and moveable church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is not included in the accountsin accordance with s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011. No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and disclosed at 3c)

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over a period not exceeding four years. Individual items with a purchase price of £2,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments and current assets

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income such as Gift Aid are shown as debtors, less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable (including rents not secured). In practice only Gift Aid is included in line with 1(c) above Cash at bank and in hand includes funds on short term deposit.

Valuation of Buildings

From 2016 Ecclesiastical Insurance has amended its insurance approach from being based on a given asset value (which has been used as the current asset value in the accounts, to a "limit of claim", which does not provide a defined asset value. From 2016, therefore, the asset value used in these acounts will be based on the latest available valuation, which it was intended would be reviewed every 3 years and adjusted in accordance with recognised valuation increase/decrease criteria. 2016 values are available for all buildings except the St John's Church Building, on which the insurance claim limit has been raised from £5M in 2016 to £7.5M at the end of 2017. Ecclesiatical Insurance have advised that the Archdeacons have been made aware of the change in the basis of insurance. The figures used for valuation for 2021 accounts are those given for St John's Hall by Ecclesiastical Insurance on 30th November 2017, with a similar increase for St Leonard's Church Centre (pro-rata on the figures used for 2016 valuations). Both buildings are insured for a limit of claim of £2.5M. In 2021 it has been decided to continue to use the same valuations as previously

2021 Notes to accounts 26th Feb22

Examined

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ST. JOHN AND ST. LEONARD P.C.C. BEDFORD
2 Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2021
SORP 2015 references 2021 Direct 2021 2020 Direct 2020 2019 Direct 2019
St Leonards St Leonards St Leonards
Coffee Coffee Coffee
B2 Missionary Societies & Organisations Supported Morning Morning Morning
Kings Ams local Shoe Boxes 250
Bible Exhibition (Renhold Chapel) 200 200
Bishops Harvest Appeal (Light up Tanzania) O/Seas 916
Bishops Harvest Appeal (Water for Life) O/Seas 831
Christian Aid (Haiti Earthquake Relief) O/Seas 888
MacMillan Coffee Morning 50 inc
Family Pastoral Gift 200
SMART / BECHAR 300
Children's Society (inc Christingle) 100+ 320 175 355 200 236
Malawi Orphan Fund & HoH Gifts (670)(670)(670) O/Seas 100 10 10
Tear Fund (Lebanon- Harvest) 895
Tear Fund (East Africa) 50
Railway Mission 200 200
CMS (South American Miss Society) O/Seas 300 300+
Romania Shoebox appeal O/Seas In kind
Bible Society (Bibles for Iraq & China) O/Seas 100 100
Dementia UK 235 235
Zambesi Mission O/Seas 300 300 350
150 2,639 375 1,950 1,245 2,247
[held, to be paid in 2021 +]
The "Direct" amounts are outwith these accounts, provided in kind or due to expediamcy (to meet immediate need), but included for the benefit of transparancy.
Those identified are included in accounts.
Fixed Assets 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
D1 53 Hillesden Ave, Elstow buildings 89,268 81,678 81,678 81,678 79,377
a St. John's Hall building & contents 850,000 850,000 850,000 850,000 850,000
b St. Leonard's Church Centre building & contents 1,075,213 1,075,213 1,075,213 1,075,213 1,075,213
c Fabric Fund CBF Investment 96,670 84,404 78,952 66,500 67,508
2,111,151 2,091,295 2,085,843 2,073,391 2,072,098
A4
The property values shown for St. John's Church Hall and St. Leonard's Church Centre are taken from figues provided by Ecclesiastical
Insurance at 30th November 2017 as minimum insured amounts for St John's Hall, with a similar increase for St Leonard's Church Centre
pro-rata to the previous valuations. They are both insured for loss limits of £2.5M. Refer to Notes page 1 for further details.
The St John's Church building is insured in a similar manner with a limit of loss of £7.5M , with minimum insured amounts of £4,470,000
and a further £100,000 contents but not included in the statement of assets, which is in accordance with SORP 2015 requirements
The funding of 53 Hillesden Ave is on an Equity Sharing Loan made up as follows: -
Share % 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
a St. Alban's DBF Pastoral Account 68.97% 198,414 181,724 181,724 181,724 176,431 170,355
St. John and St. Leonard P.C.C. 31.03% 89,268,268268,268268268 81678 81678 81678 79,377,377377,377377377 76,643,643643,643643643
287,682 263,402 263,402 263,402 255,808 246,998
The Fabric Fund capital, of which only the income can be used for the fabric of St. John's Church, comprises 4,128 shares in the
of the Church of England. The value shown is the bid price at 31st December 2021
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2021 Notes to accounts 28th Feb22

Examined

Page 2

Church Workers Pension Fund (CWPF) FRS102 Statement - December 2021 Year End

The PCC of St John and St Leonard, Bedford participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section of CWPF for lay staff. CWPF is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the CWPF assets separately from those of the Employer and other participating employers.

CWPF has two sections:

the Defined Benefits Scheme
the Pension Builder Scheme, which has two subsections;
a. a deferred annuity section known as Pension Builder Classic, and,
b. a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014.

Pension Builder Scheme

Both sections of the Pension Builder Scheme are classed as defined benefit schemes.

Pension Builder Classic provides a pension, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Discretionary increases may also be added, depending on investment returns and other factors.

Pension Builder 2014 is a cash balance scheme that provides a lump sum which members use to provide benefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. Discretionary bonuses may be added before retirement, depending on investment returns and other factors. The account, plus any bonuses declared is payable, unreduced, from age 65.

There is no sub-division of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme.

The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Pension Builder Scheme’s assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the SoFA in the year are the contributions payable (2021: £2372, 2020: £2287).

A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent valuation was carried out as at 31 December 2019. The next valuation is due as at 31 December 2022.

For the Pension Builder Classic section, the valuation revealed a deficit of £4.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review, the Board chose to grant a discretionary bonus of 3% following improvements in the funding position over 2021. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £5.5m on the ongoing assumptions used. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, The PCC of St John and St Leonard, Bedford could become responsible for paying a share of the failed employer’s pension liabilities.

13 The Furlo The Parochial Church Council of B¢dford St John & St Inard Bedford MK418EE 01234-354915 9 March 2022 Inde lldent ExamiDerJs Re rt to the P%ro¢hixl Church Council of Bedford St Jobn & St Leonard . tered Cba No. 113154 This reprt on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2021 as desczibed in th¢ Annual RqNJTL including the 2 geS of notes, the Balance Sheet (I pag¢). th¢ SOFA report (I page) and the FRS102 Disclosure Notice in respect of the Chuwh Workers, P¢nsion Fund (I page) is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Ac¢ountiDg Regulations 21K)6 {'the Regulations,) and S.145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). Respeetlve responsi7)Ill¢S of Ihe PCC and the examiner As members of the PCC you are resnsIble for th¢ preparation of the accounts. YOU consider that the audii wuirement of the Regulations and S.144(2) of the Act does not apply. It is my responsibility to ASS this yert on those xcounts in CordanCe with the tern)s of the Regulations. B*si8 of thi¥ report My examinknon was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under S.145(5)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by th¢ PCC and a comEw1 of the &Lx)unts with those r. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the )Unts and seeking explanations from you as tn concerning any such ntte[s. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be requÉred in an audiL and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the xcounts. Independent euminees statement tn connection with my eXan)ltiO no has come to my attention: i. which gives me reasonable CaSe to believe that in any material reSpt the to ke accounting records in accordance with S.130 of the ACL and to prepare }unts which accfjrd with th¢ M)unting records and comply with the requirements of th¢ Act and the Regulations hav¢ not bc¢n m¢L or li to Whic in my Opinio attention should be drnwn in order to enable a proper I wish to again place on record my gratitude to Ihvid tAmbert and Angela Locke for their considerable a&sistw in this exercise. (Barrie Frost)

RRRRRRRR to the people of the Parish of

Bedford, St. John & St. Leonard

for your ongoing support of the cost of ministry in the Diocese during these continuing uncertain times.

The amount of Parish Share paid in 2021 was:

£60,600

Bishop of St Albans Diocesan Secretary