2023-12-31-accounts

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Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of St Mary the Virgin Prittlewell

Registered Charity Number 1131704 for the year ended 31 December 2023

Incumbent:

The Reverend Paul Mackay

The Vicarage 489 Victoria Avenue Southend on Sea Essex SS2 6NL

	Page
	Nos
Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended
31 December 2023	3 - 9
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 December 2023	10
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 December 2022	11
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023	12
Statement of Cash Flows	13
Notes forming part of the financial statements	14 - 27
Independent Examiner’s Report	28

St Mary the Virgin Prittlewell Parochial Church Council

Name and Address

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Prittlewell East Street Prittlewell Southend on Sea SS2 6LQ

Website

https://www.stmarysprittlewell.co.uk

Legal Status

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under charity registration number 1131704 and is a Body Corporate under the “Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956”.

Current Accounts

Deposit Account

Santander UK plc Bridle Road, Bootle Merseyside G1R 0AA

CCLA Investment Management Ltd The CBF Church of England Funds 80 Cheapside London EC2V 6DZ

Architect

Unity Trust Bank 4 Brindley Place Birmingham B1 2JB

Purcell St Mary’s Hall Rawstorn Road Colchester CO3 3JH

Lawyers

Independent Examiner

Winckworth Sherwood Arbor 255 Blackfriars Road London SE1 9AX

BTMK Solicitors 19 Clifftown Road Southend-on-sea SS1 1AB

Rickard Luckin Limited Chartered Accountants 1[st] Floor County House 100 New London Road Chelmsford CM2 0RG

Administrative Information

St Mary’s Church is situated in Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea. It is part of the Diocese of Chelmsford within the Church of England. The correspondence address is St Mary’s Centre, Hill Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6JT

PCC members and Charity Trustees

Those who served at any time from 1[st] January 2023 until the date this report was approved are:

Incumbent:	Rev Paul Mackay	Chair
Associate Priest:	Rev Jacky Lindoe
Churchwardens (2):	Mr Keith Turner	Vice-chair
	Mr John Tipping (elected 23 April 2023)
Representatives on the	Mrs Teresa Church
Deanery Synod (3):	Mr Peter Sloman
	Mr John Tipping (PCC Treasurer)
Elected members (9):	Mr Richard Anderson (retired 23 April 2023)
	Mr Philip Briant
	Mrs Marianne Fowle
	Mrs Daunelle Green (elected 23 April 2023)
	Mr Robert Harvey
	Mrs Lynne Hickie (elected 23 April 2023)
	Mrs Patricia Johnson
	Dr Christiane Korsten
	Mrs Melanie van Looy
	Miss Wendy Perry
In attendance at	Miss Lois Blakey
meetings:	(Children & Families Worker)
	Mrs Sue Mackay
	(PCC Secretary)

Objectives and Activities

St Mary’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical.

The Trustees paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.

It is confirmed that, in carrying out the charity’s activities, the Trustees have had regard to the Charity’s Commission guidance on public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

The aims and objectives of St Mary the Virgin Church, Prittlewell, and members of the Christian community there, include:

Regular public worship; Provision of accessible public sacred space for prayer and reflection; The promotion and teaching of Christianity; Engagement with the local community; Provision of pastoral care and support;

Work with local schools, in particular St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, and with uniformed organisations;

Support of other charities at home and abroad.

These aims and objectives are fulfilled normally in the following ways (see below), however there was some continued ‘fallout’ of the global pandemic during 2021/22. Some weddings and baptisms were postponed, from 2021/22 until 2023. Then in October of 2022 the church building was closed for public worship (which continued in the church hall) whilst some re-ordering of the chancel end of the nave commenced. This involved (following the granting of Faculty) the removing of 6 pews and the raised floor they were fixed to leading to excavation work and the inability to use the church. It was hoped that the church would be useable by Advent 2022 but due to archaeological ‘finds’ and revaluating the works to reinstate the ‘new’ floor installation, worship through Advent remained in St Mary’s Hall. We were able to return to the church on Easter Day 2023.

The following is given as an outline of our ‘normal’ regular activities and incorporates some of the changes throughout the year.

When able, the largely Norman church of St Mary the Virgin is open to the public for both the conduct of acts of worship and to provide a still and beautiful place for reflection, prayer and exploration. When possible, groups from local schools, historical societies, uniformed organisations and community groups, as well as individuals, were able to visit the church by appointment.

Acts of worship are normally conducted each Sunday morning and evening every week, and at various times on other days of the week, as well as numerous occasional offices (marriages, baptisms and funerals).

Support is given to those attending worship/visiting the church with physical or mental disabilities. Large print service books, and disabled toilet facilities are provided.

A well-established Saturday morning bell-ringing school is normally held in the church tower, teaching many people of mixed ages the skills of campanology, being drawn from a wide area.

The churchyard provides people with a green space in a busy built-up area which we ensure is well maintained and cared for, we have ‘experimented’ with a ‘wild meadow’ area in order to promote a ‘natural environment’ for animals and plant life.

Pastoral care initiatives are overseen by both clergy and laity amongst the people of the community, comprising friendship visits, bereavement support, marriage preparation and guidance, care for the sick and dying, and administration of the sacraments to the housebound and ill.

Social events are organised and offered to members of the congregation and wider community.

Work with young people included visits of clergy and our Children and Families Worker to local schools and the facilitating of school visits to the Church. Acts of worship were conducted for St Mary’s Primary School, and teaching which spanned religious, historical, social and moral issues was delivered. A number of members of the congregation supported the Church of England Primary School of St Mary’s as Governors. Uniformed Groups (Rainbows, Brownies, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts) were visited, and church hall meeting space was provided free of charge for these churchsponsored groups. The Children and Families Worker runs our Junior Church which has grown in popularity and has organised a number of youth themed events during the year in the church and grounds and at the school.

We have recommenced some limited charitable giving and supporting fundraising events. We were however able to provide financial support to many organisations and charities, including the Children’s Society, HARP (a local homelessness project), Fairhavens/Little Havens Hospices and the Church Mission Society. In September for the second time the church was open as part of the National Heritage Open Days, which was well attended and supported by the local museum service. Tinned goods were collected at Harvest Festival and toys at a special December Service, which were then donated to a local community groups.

The church’s environmental policy continued to provide a framework against which to consider the environmental impact of our activities. The church is an affiliated member of the Fair Trade Foundation and uses fair trade products when offering refreshments and is a living wage employer.

In the parish both Lent and Advent courses provided teaching and opportunities for discussion on religious themes and we held a 24 Hours of Prayer event both in the church and facilitated people to do this in their own homes. Bible Study notes are made available to those members of the congregation who would wish to receive them.

Good links were maintained with the neighbouring Royal Naval Association (the incumbent is their chaplain), and the Mayor’s office, with the Mayor (the incumbent was appointed mayors chaplain for the year from May 2020), and the local MP, attending a number of events and services during the year.

Our Memorial Garden for the interment of ashes continues to be used and is seen to be a valued part of the churchyard.

Current Priorities and Future Developments

Following the 2018 quinquennial report, a schedule of repairs and maintenance was drawn up. A further report was received in 2023 and the schedule is being revised and updated accordingly. Some

of the needed works to the roof were undertaken. As already mentioned internal alterations to the church building have been completed, so that it may become a more flexible space for worship and other activities and meetings. We hope to begin to look at reordering the west end of the church in 2024 and encouraging new users of our new church centre which forms the east end of St Mary’ Hall.

Financial review

In 2023 the total income from all sources was £601,075 (£766,812 - 2022) of which £99,697 was from legacies. The Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme whereby VAT may be reclaimed on certain qualifying expenditure is extremely valuable.

Income from commercial property rents continues to be valuable but one tenant has failed to pay for the second year running. The Trustees have commenced legal proceedings to regain possession of the property;
Income from halls has remained flat for the year but a number of community groups are starting to use the refurbished community centre which will generate additional income;
Gift aid continues to be a valuable source of income;
As always, the Trustees are grateful to our Church family who give freely and regularly during the year through the giving schemes.

Revenue expenditure in 2023 amounted to £412,423 (£330,417 - 2022). There was capital expenditure as follows:

refurbishing the west end of St Mary’s hall - £161,696;
additional sound equipment for the church - £5,990;
furniture for St Mary’s Centre - £9,481;
Soft play and sensory room equipment - £31,582;
Staging for the church - £12,992;
Gates for St Mary’s Centre - £3,012.

This capital investment demonstrates the Trustees’ commitment to the ongoing mission and ministry work of the charity.

The Parish Share payable to the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance was £45,633. The Trustees paid this in full adding an additional amount of £4,367 to bring the total to £50,000 showing the parish’s commitment to diocesan ministry and other costs;
Salary costs amounted to £47,565 (£44,336 – 2022) as our employees provide valuable support to mission and ministry in their respective spheres;
We continue to manage our costs carefully. A number of energy suppliers were due for contract renewal during the year and we used various energy brokers to secure good deals with regard to tariffs.
With the sale of 27 Tickfield Avenue there are currently sufficient cash reserves and the Balance Sheet remains strong. The General Fund which is for the day to day running of the charity had a credit balance of £15,443 at year end. The total free unrestricted reserves at year end were £347,425. Of this amount £331,982 relates to the net proceeds of the sale of 27 Tickfield Avenue which the Trustees have designated as the “Tickfield” fund for future mission and ministry projects.

Reserves policy

Periodically the PCC reviews its unrestricted reserves. The balances held in designated Funds are reviewed, aiming to make the best possible use of Charity money. Monies under PCC control are used in compliance with the objects of the PCC, and with current guidance from the Charity Commission for England and Wales on using Charitable Funds. Restricted reserves are only used in compliance with the stated wishes of the donors.

The Trustees intend to hold reserves sufficient for 12 months expenditure. Currently with free reserves of £331,982 and annual expenditure projected to be £285,000, sufficient reserves are held to meet this policy.

Risk management

Potential adversities may be categorised according to their combined risk/impact potential. Those with a high risk but low impact are set at one end of the scale, with low risk/high impact at the opposite end. Both parameters are important and both risk and impact should be minimised.

Financial risks are a reduction in income and/or an increase in costs. Both have the potential to have a major impact on the capacity of St Mary’s Church to continue all her present activities and functions. Over 2023 unrestricted non-investment income has remained more or less stable. The Parish is fortunate in having a number of income strands which are independent of congregational giving.

It is difficult to assess what the impact would be of a significant decrease in congregational giving without quantifying the decrease. The risk of any decrease is probably correctly judged as medium (given the current financial state of the UK) and the impact it would have can only be judged as high. The Trustees are well aware of the need to raise funds from elsewhere as well.

The Trustees are aware of the danger inherent in having organisational knowledge (of how to run the component parts of the church) residing in a limited number of people. The Trustees are actively seeking to reduce the risk (high to medium at present) by popularising the ‘every member ministry’ concept, and by increasing transparency and openness.

Physical risks, to people, are judged low, but would have a high impact if they materialised. St Mary’s carries an appropriate level of insurance for both public, employees and volunteers. Other risks are also recognised: the protection of children and vulnerable adults is taken seriously, and St Mary’s complies with the relevant Diocesan Policies. The PCC is working towards lower risk/impact potential, not just financial, but across all areas.

Structure Governance and Management

The method of appointment for Parochial Church Council members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The PCC looks after the general running of the Church and oversees the finances.

St Mary’s PCC consists of the Vicar, 1 Associate Minister/Priest, 2 Churchwardens, 3 Deanery Synod Representatives, and 9 elected Lay Members. The Deanery Synod Representatives, (in addition to their general PCC responsibilities) attend meetings with clergy and PCC representatives from other churches, to help to support and further the mission of the Anglican churches within the Southend Deanery and the wider Diocese. All members must be nominated and elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) before they can serve on the PCC, except the Vicar, ex officio members and any members subsequently co-opted.

Parochial Church Councillors are elected annually and the terms of office are staggered. They serve for a period of three years and may then seek re-election for a further three-year period. After six consecutive years they are required to stand down for at least one year before seeking re-election. Churchwardens are elected annually. Deanery Synod Representatives are elected for three years at a time. The PCC Secretary and the Treasurer are appointed from within the PCC or from the general church membership.

All Parochial Church Councillors are required to be on the Church electoral roll and should be communicant members of the Church of England. Members of the congregation are encouraged to stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC operates through its committees and working groups which meet between full meetings of the PCC. St Mary’s has the following:

Standing Committee - This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. It is responsible for the properties in the Parish Property Portfolio.

Pastoral Care – Headed up by the Associate Minister, this group, when able, attends to visiting housebound or sick parishioners in their homes or in hospital, including taking Communion.

Church Attendance

There are 110 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll (2022:110), of whom 65 are not resident in the Parish (2022: 63).

Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults

Miss Lois Blakey acts as the parish’s Safeguarding Officer. The PCC annually agrees to adopt the Church of England’s Safeguarding policy and other policies relevant to Safeguarding. And has complied with the duty under section 5 the requirements imposed by the code under section 5A of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.

The PCC takes very seriously its responsibilities under various safeguarding legislation. This year all of the PCC members undertook the Church of England’s Basic Awareness Safeguarding training online.

Approved by the Parochial Church Council as Trustees on 20 March 2024 and signed on their behalf by The Rev’d Paul Mackay (PCC Chair).

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ending 31[st] December 2023

Note Voluntary income 3a Activities for generating funds 3b Church activities 3c Income from investments 3d Other income 3e TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE Church Activities 4a Governance Costs 4b NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) BEFORE INVESTMENT GAINS NET GAIN ON INVESTMENTS NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Unrestricted Funds General Designated Fund Funds £ £ 189,968 59,232 1,156 - 15,829 - 84,679 218,098 3,267 16,346 294,899 293,676 288,674 106,498 3,300 - 291,974 106,498 2,925 187,178 - - 2,925 187,178 - - 2,925 187,178 12,518 1,922,123 15,443 2,109,301	Restricted Funds £ 12,500 - - - - 12,500 13,951 - 13,951 (1,451) - (1,451) - (1,451) 17,006 15,555	TOTAL 2023 £ 261,700 1,156 15,829 302,777 19,613 601,075 409,123 3,300 412,423 188,652 - 188,652 - 188,652 1,951,647 2,140,299	TOTAL 2022 £ 583,217 1,066 18,573 159,864 4,092
				766,812
				328,277 2,140
				330,417
				436,395 -
				436,395 -
				436,395 1,515,252
				1,951,647

For the year ending 31[st] December 2022

Voluntary income Activities for generating funds Church activities Income from investments Other income TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE Raising funds Church Activities Governance Costs NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) BEFORE INVESTMENT GAINS NET GAIN ON INVESTMENTS NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Unrestricted Funds General Designated Fund Funds £ £ 61,595 512,700 1,066 - 18,573 - 159,441 - 1,836 - 242,511 512,700 - - 263,441 9,561 2,140 - 265,581 9,561 (23,070) 503,139 - - (23,070) 503,139 - 163,045 (23,070) 666,184 35,588 1,255,939 12,518 1,922,123	Restricted Funds £ 8,922 - - 423 2,256 11,601 - 55,275 - 55,275 (43,674) - (43,674) (163,045) (206,719) 223,725 17,006	TOTAL 2022 £ 583,217 1,066 18,573 159,864 4,092
			766,812
			- 328,277 2,140
			330,417
			436,395 -
			436,395 -
			436,395 1,515,252
			1,951,647

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible 5 Investments 6 CURRENT ASSETS Stock 7 Debtors and Prepayments 8 Cash at bank and in hand LIABILITIES Creditors - amounts falling due within one year 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL NET ASSETS PARISH FUNDS Unrestricted - General Unrestricted - Property Unrestricted - Designated Unrestricted - Equipment Reserve Restricted	2023 £ 707,019 1,070,300 - 6,666 382,056 25,742 362,980 2,140,299 2,140,299 15,443 1,701,517 331,983 75,802 15,554 2,140,299	2022 £ 489,848 1,150,300
		30 510,402 68,977
		267,910
		311,499

		1,951,647

		1,951,647
		12,518 1,619,821 281,975 20,327 17,006
		1,951,647

Approved by the Parochial Church Council as Trustees on 20 March 2024 and signed on their behalf by John Tipping F.C.C.A. (Honorary Treasurer)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

*Cash flows from operating activities* Net cash flows from operating activities *Cash flows from Investing activities* Purchase of tangible fixed assets Proceeds from the sale of property Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December	2023 2022 £ £ 243,343 220,641 (270,264) (386,467) 340,000 -
	313,079 (165,826)
	313,079 (165,826) 68,977 234,803
	382,056 68,977

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. Basis of Preparation

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice” as amended for bulletin 1 & 2 applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Second Edition)’ and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019 and the “Church Accounting Regulations 2006”.
“The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Second Edition)’rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.”
The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the PCC’s ability to continue and accordingly the accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.

2. Principal Accounting Policies

Incoming resources

Incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the PCC has entitlement to the benefit of the resources, the inflow of economic benefit is probable and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Gift aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor, is included in the period to which the relevant donation is received and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the additional income.
Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date.
Grants and specific donations are included in the SOFA when any preconditions preventing their use by the PCC have been met.
The income from charitable activities is accounted for gross of associated costs.
Rental income from letting is accounted for when due.
Investment income is included when receivable.

Income by fund type was as follows:

	2023		2022	2023	2022	2023	2022
Unrestricted		Unrestricted		Restricted	Restricted	Total	Total
General	Designated	General	Designated
£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
294,899	293,676	242,511	512,700	12,500	11,601	601,075	766,812

Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable.
Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the PCC’s objects. These are recognized in the accounts when a commitment has been made externally and there are no preconditions still to be met for entitlement to the grant that remain within the control of the PCC.
Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the cost of trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice on governance or constitutional matters.

Fixed assets

Consecrated land and buildings and movable Church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by Section 11 (2) of the Charities Act 2011. No value is placed on movable Church furnishings that may be considered inalienable or historic assets held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and/or which may not be disposed of without grant of a faculty. The cost and complexity of obtaining a value for such assets is regarded as disproportionate to the benefit likely to be derived by users of these accounts. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable Church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities and separately disclosed.
The net book value of St. Mary’s Hall, the Guild Hall and 69 Glenwood Avenue are based on an independent valuation carried out in October 1997. Recent capital expenditure on refurbishing and enhancing St Mary’s Hall have increased the balance sheet valuation. The ground lease at 69 Glenwood Avenue relates to property originally acquired as accommodation for curates of the parish.
No depreciation is provided against land and buildings held for investment or charitable trading purposes.

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment

Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £5,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired, as is expenditure relating to repair, replacement or renewal of existing assets. Items capitalised are depreciated on a straight line basis over five years.

Investments

The freehold property at 27 Tickfield Avenue was also originally purchased as accommodation for a curate of the parish. The property has been occupied by a tenant for more than ten years, although she sadly died on 24[th] November 2022 and the Trustees decided to sell the property with completion on 16[th] November 2023.
The properties in Broadway were a legacy received in 2017 and valued as at 31 December 2017.
Freehold properties held for investment or charitable trading purposes are included in the balance sheet at the amount determined by independent valuation carried out in October 1997.

Debtors and Prepayments

Debtors are initially included at the settlement amount due and are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration due.

Creditors

Creditors are included at the settlement amount due.

Support costs

The SORP requires support costs such as administration, postage, telephone, depreciation etc to be allocated to the relevant activity cost category they support. The Trustees do not consider it cost beneficial to set up systems to allocate such costs and accordingly have shown such support costs separately under charitable activities.

3. Income and Endowments

a) Voluntary income Planned Giving Service Collections Donations Gift Aid Tax recovered Legacies Grants b) Activities for generating funds Fairtrade Sales Social Events c) Church Activities Sunday coffee Wedding fees Funeral fees Card and Book sales Votive Candle sales St Mary's Hall income Guild Hall income Spiritual growth d) Income from investments Sale of 27 Tickfield Avenue Interest Rent e) Other income Listed places of worship grant scheme TOTAL INCOME	General Fund £ 25,733 5,950 4,975 7,845 40,465 105,000 189,968 5 1,151 1,156 1,505 1,710 296 - 61 8,350 3,450 457 15,829 - 4 84,675 84,679 3,267 3,267 294,899	Designated Funds £ - - - - 59,232 - 59,232 - - - - - - - - - - - - 215,582 2,516 - 218,098 16,346 16,346 293,676	Restricted Funds £ - - 12,500 - - - 12,500 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12,500	TOTAL 2023 £ 25,733 5,950 17,475 7,845 99,697 105,000 261,700 5 1,151 1,156 1,505 1,710 296 - 61 8,350 3,450 457 15,829 215,582 2,520 84,675 302,777 19,613 19,613 601,075	TOTAL 2022 £ 26,971 6,144 32,887 7,601 500,114 9,500
					583,217
					399 667
					1,066
					1,148 1,215 1,856 52 224 8,234 5,540 304
					18,573
					- 621 159,243
					159,864
					4,092
					4,092
					766,812

4. Resources Expended

	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	TOTAL	TOTAL
	Funds	Funds	Funds	2023	2022
	£	£	£	£	£
a) Church Activities
Social Events	665	250	-	915	67
Missionary and Charitable giving	248	-	-	248	200
Diocesan parish share	50,000	-	-	50,000	70,639
Salaries	47,565	-	-	47,565	44,336
Payroll costs	33	-	-	33	132
Organist fees and expenses	3,222	-	-	3,222	3,760
Vicarage expenses	457	-	-	457	253
Sundry administrative costs	316	-	-	316	574
Incumbent expenses	4,282	-	-	4,282	3,884
Assistant clergy expenses	-	-	-		10
Children and Family Worker expenses	2,772	-	-	2,772	3,499
Spiritual growth	1,485	-	-	1,485	839
Bad debts	2,381	-	-	2,381	54,630
Churchyard	11,945	2,388	-	14,333	21,185
Church Fire Monitoring & Maintenance	4,126	-	-	4,126	4,072
Church re-ordering project	17,531	67,062	-	84,593	4,316
Church - Insurance	6,624	-	-	6,624	6,592
Church - Telephone & Broadband	838	-	-	838	749
Organ / Piano - Tuning & Repairs	1,191	-	-	1,191	477
Church Music - General Costs	837	-	-	837	663
Church - Routine Repairs & Renewals	10,174	-	1,451	11,625	28,723
Church - Cleaning	2,240	-	-	2,240	2,598
Church - Other Operating Expenses	19,638	-	-	19,638	11,632
Church - refuse collection	4,995	-	-	4,995	3,833
Upkeep of Services	3,283	10,180	-	13,463	542
Office & Computing	4,315	-	-	4,315	4,025
Printing & Stationery	1,534	-	-	1,534	1,632
Photocopier Costs	923	-	-	923	832
Church – Electricity	5,539	-	-	5,539	2,633
Church – Gas	1,050	-	-	1,050	1,491
Church - Water & Sewerage	77	-	-	77	72
Church - Gas Service Costs	-	-	-	-	-
Publications & Books	118	-	-	118	95
Bank fees	356	-	-	356	329
Loan interest	331	1,524	-	1,855	1,648
Fairtrade Stall supplies	-	-	-	-	828

4. Resources Expended (continued)

	Unrestricted Funds £ 1,422 2,050 252 1,160 2,629 25,323 651 - 1,649 564 77 1,160 1,220 3,120 745 - 2,806 176 18,865 1,853 - - 7,264 - 4,597 288,674 3,300 3,300 291,974	Designated Funds £ - - - - - 2,074 - - - - - - - 5,232 - 9,113 - - - - - - - 8,675 - 106,498 - - 106,498	Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - 12,500 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13,951 - - 13,951	TOTAL 2023 £ 1,422 2,050 252 1,160 2,629 27,397 651 12,500 1,649 564 77 1,160 1,220 8,352 745 9,113 2,806 176 18,865 1,853 - - 7,264 8,675 4,597 409,123 3,300 3,300 412,423	TOTAL 2022 £ 2,065 242 429 1,039 1,555 2,460 260 - 1,413 436 72 1,039 845 3,721 461 - 140 647 16,102 549 40 18 6,676 2,258 4,020
St. Mary's Hall – Electricity
St. Mary's Hall Gas
St. Mary's Hall - Water & Sewerage
St. Mary's Hall - Insurance
St. Mary's Hall - Cleaning
St. Mary's Hall - Routine Repairs etc
St Mary's Hall - Telecoms
St Mary's Hall redevelopment
Guild Hall - Gas
Guild Hall - Electricity
Guild Hall - Water & Sewerage
Guild Hall - Insurance
Guild Hall - Cleaning
Guild Hall - Routine Repairs etc
Tickfield - Insurance
Tickfield - sale of property
Tickfield - Repairs & Maintenance
Tickfield - Property management costs
Commercial Property expenses
Sunday coffee supplies
Other Professional Fees - church
Other professional fees - other PCC property
Security Systems
Depreciation
Legal fees

					328,277
					2,140
b) Governance Costs
Independent Examination fees TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
					2,140

					330,417

5. Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost 1 January 2023 Additions Cost 31 December 2023 Accumulated Depreciation 1 January 2023 Depreciation charge Accumulated Depreciation 31 December 2023 Net Book Value 31 December 2022 Net Book Value 31 December 2023	Halls Equipment Total £ £ £ 469,521 22,585 492,106 161,696 64,150 225,846
	631,217 86,735 717,952
	- (2,258) (2,258) - (8,675) (8,675)
	- (10,933) (10,933)
	469,521 20,327 489,848
	631,217 75,802 707,019

The net book value of St. Mary’s Hall, the Guild Hall and 69 Glenwood Avenue are based on an independent valuation carried out in October 1997. Recent capital expenditure on refurbishing and enhancing St Mary’s Hall have increased the balance sheet valuation. The ground lease at 69 Glenwood Avenue relates to property originally acquired as accommodation for curates of the parish.

The equipment relates to a new photocopier purchased in December 2021 and new audio and visual equipment for the church building in 2022 and 2023 and during 2023 includes a replacement computer, staging for the church, soft play and sensory equipment for St Mary’s Centre. Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis to as to write the cost off over a five year period. The amount of depreciation charged in 2022 was £8,675.

6. Investments

27 Tickfield Avenue 69 Glenwood Avenue 86-88 Broadway 59-61 Broadway	Value as at Value as at 1 Jan 2023 31 Dec 2023 £ £ 80,000 - 300 300 450,000 450,000 620,000 620,000
	1,150,300 1,070,300

The value of 69 Glenwood Avenue is based on an independent valuation carried out in October 1997. The ground lease at 69 Glenwood Avenue relates to property originally acquired as accommodation for curates of the parish.

The freehold property at 27 Tickfield Avenue was also originally purchased as accommodation for a curate of the parish. The property has been occupied by a tenant for more than ten years, although she sadly died on 24[th] November 2022 and the Trustees decided to sell the property with completion on 16[th] November 2023.

The properties in Broadway were a legacy received in 2017 and valued as at 31[st] December 2017.

7. Stock

No Stock was held at year end. (2022 - £30)

8. Debtors and Prepayments

Trade Debtors Other Debtors Prepayments	2023 2022 £ £ 485 3,247 5,181 507,155 1,000 -
	6,666 510,402

9. Liabilities

2023 2022 £ £ Accruals & Creditors due within one year 25,742 267,910 ____

10. Trustee expenses

Expenses of £2,336 (2022 - £2,237) were reimbursed by the charity to two Trustees (2022 - three Trustees) covering office operating costs, travelling and similar costs.

11. Trustee remuneration

Remuneration was charged in the accounts in respect of services supplied to the charity during the year to the following Trustee:

Mrs M van Looy (Organist and Director of Music) - £3,222 (2022 - £3,760)

12. Related Party transactions

Mrs Sue Mackay was paid £7,248 (2022 - £6,245) for her services as PCC secretary and for giving other secretarial support to the Incumbent;
Mrs Christina Turner was paid £7,538 (2022 - £6,935) for administration services in the parish office;
Revd Jacky Lindoe provided a loan in the sum of £25,000 in 2022. This was repaid in full during 2023;
The PCC is managing trustee of the “Prittlewell Church of England school Charity” (PCESC) commonly known as the “Ameris Trust”. The Trust:
provided an interest free loan to the Charity during the previous year in the sum of £107,500 which was repaid in full in 2023;
made a grant of £35,000 towards the cost of employing the Children and Families Worker;
made a grant of £70,000 towards the charity’s general running costs
Mr John Tipping is a Trustee of the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance (registered charity number 249505, company number 00137029) which provided a loan to the Charity in the sum of £50,000 in 2022 and which was repaid in full during 2023.
During the year the Trustees donated £6,387 (2022 - £5,817) to the charity for the purposes of supporting the charity’s activities.

13. Staff Costs

The average number of employees during the year was two with a full time equivalent figure of 1.4 (2022 – 1.4). No employees received employee benefits of more than £60,000.

	2023	2022
	£	£
Salaries	38,912	36,753
Pension costs	1,405	1,338
	________
	40,317	38,091
	________

The Charity is a participator in the Church of England Pensions Board scheme.

14. Summary of Assets by Fund

Tangible Fixed Assets Investments Current Assets Amounts falling due within one year	Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL 2022 funds funds funds £ £ £ £ £ - 707,019 - 707,019 489,848 - 1,070,300 - 1,070,300 1,150,300 41,185 331,983 15,554 388,722 579,409 (25,742) - - (25,742) (267,910)
	15,443 2,109,302 15,554 2,140,299 1,951,647

15. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds comprise those funds which the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objects. The General fund can be used for ordinary purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. Designated funds have been created for the following purposes:

Una Heal Fund

The Late Una Heal bequeathed the residuary legacy of her estate to the Charity. This fund is now fully expended. Transfers were made to other designated funds in respect of the capitalisation of certain expenditure during the year.

Equipment Reserve

This fund relates to equipment which has been capitalised and will be written off over a number of years.

Properties

This represents the various properties shown in the balance sheet under tangible fixed assets and investment properties of which the PCC is managing trustee and the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance is custodian trustee.

Tickfield Fund

The Tickfield fund represents the net sale proceeds of 27 Tickfield Avenue and will be used to fund special mission and ministry projects.

Restricted funds comprise of funds raised for and their use restricted to a specific purpose or donations subject to imposed donor conditions. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.

Main Roof Repairs and Heal Roof Repairs

These funds are held to cover the costs of any maintenance and repairs to the church roofs.

Hall Redevelopment Fund

Work was completed on the refurbishment of St Mary’s Centre the year and this fund reflects specific donations etc received towards the project.

16. Movement of funds

2023

Fund name	Balances brought forward £ 1/1/2023	Incoming Resources £	Outgoing Resources £	Transfers £	Balances Carried Forward £ 31/12/2023
Unrestricted Funds
General	12,518	294,899	(291,974)	-	15,443
Designated –Una Heal Fund	281,975	76,999	(88,710)	(270,264)
Designated –Equipment Reserve	20,327	-	(8,675)	64,150	75,802
Designated –Properties	1,619,821	-	-	81,696	1,701,517
Designated –Tickfield	-	216,677	(9,113)	124,418	331,982
Total Unrestricted Funds	1,934,641	588,575	(398,472)	-	2,124,744
Restricted Funds
Main Roof Repairs	3,341	-	(1,451)	-	1,890
Heal Roof repairs	13,665	-	-	-	13,665
Hall Redevelopment Fund	-	12,500	(12,500)	-	-
Total Restricted Funds	17,006	12,500	(13,951)	-	15,555
Total Funds	1,951,647	601,075	(412,423)	-	2,140,299

2022

Fund name	Balances brought forward £ 1/1/2022	Incoming Resources £	Outgoing Resources £	Transfers £	Balances Carried Forward £ 31/12/2022
Unrestricted Funds

General	35,588	242,511	(265,581)	-	12,518
Designated –Una Heal Fund	-	500,000	(7,303)	(210,722)	281,975
Designated –Equipment Reserve	5,639	-	(2,258)	16,946	20,327
Designated –Properties	1,250,300	-	-	369,521	1,619,821
Designated –Hall Redevelopment Fund	-	12,700	-	(12,700)	-
Total Unrestricted Funds	1,291,527	755,211	(275,142)	163,045	1,934,641
Restricted Funds
Main Roof Repairs	4,073	-	(723)	-	3,341
Heal Roof repairs	13,665	-	-	-	13,665
Hall Redevelopment Fund	-	8,000	-	(8,000)	-
Fabric Fund	92,046	3,331	(26,394)	(68,983)	-
Tony Swift Young Persons Fund	113,941	270	(28,149)	(86,062)	-
Total Restricted Funds	223,725	11,601	(55,275)	(163,045)	17,006
Total Funds	1,515,252	766,812	(330,417)	-	1,951,647

17. Governance costs

A charge in the accounts of £3,300 (£2,140 – 2022) has been made in respect of Independent Examination fees relating to the 2023 Report and Accounts.

18. PCESC called the PRITTLEWELL AMERIS TRUST since July 2014

This is the Prittlewell Church of England School Charity. The Managing Trustee of ‘Ameris’ is the Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Prittlewell. PCESC maintains its own current and deposit accounts and may give Grants to the PCC at the discretion of the Trustees, in accordance with the aims and objectives of the ‘Ameris Trust’.

19. Change in Net Debt

£’s	At 1 January 2023	Cashflows	At 31 December 2023
Cash at Bank	68,977	313,079	382,056
Loans falling due within one year	232,500	(232,500)	-

20. Cash Generated from operations

Net cash income *Adjustments for:* Depreciation Loss/(profit) on sale of assets *Working capital adjustments* Decrease/(increase) in debtors (Decrease)/increase in creditors Decrease in stock Net cash flows from operating activities	2023 2022 £ £ 188,652 436,395 8,675 2,258 (215.582) - 503,736 (471,085) (242,168) 252,800 30 273
	243,343 220,641

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin Prittlewell

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin Prittlewell (‘the charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes.

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 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.

An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the trust’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

➢ accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
➢ the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
➢ the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no 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 financial statements to be reached.