Charity number: 1132150
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green
(A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Financial Statements
and Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 December 2025
Index to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Index to the Financial Statements | 2 |
| Charity Information | 3 |
| Trustees' Report | 4 - 6 |
| Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities | 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 10 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 11 |
| Accounting Policies | 12 - 13 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 14 - 17 |
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green (A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Charity Information
for the year ended 31 December 2025
Status:
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. It is constituted and governed by the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 (as amended) and the Church Representation Rules (2011). The members of the PCC are its trustees under charity law and are referred to as such throughout this report. It is a registered charity, number 1132150.
| Charity name: | The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green |
|---|---|
| Other operating names: | St John on Bethnal Green |
| Charity registration number: | 1132150 |
| Correspondence address: | St John's Rectory |
| 30 Victoria Park Square | |
| London E2 9PB | |
| Operations address: | 200 Cambridge Heath Road |
| London E2 9PA | |
| Chair: | Fr Darren Wolf (licensed 21 September 2023) |
| Vice chair: | Debra Frame |
| Treasurer: | |
| Secretary: | Joy Stanton |
| Churchwarden: | Debra Frame |
| Electoral Roll Officer: | Clare Barnett |
| Independent Examiner: | Zachary Ramsden FCA |
| 63 Deakin Leas | |
| Tonbridge | |
| Kent TN9 2JT | |
| Church Architect: | David Hills (appointed March 2024) |
| Roger Mears Architects | |
| Union Chapel | |
| Compton Avenue | |
| London N1 2XD | |
| Heritage Architect: | Jon Bolter |
| Rees Bolter Architects | |
| New North House 202 | |
| New North Road London N1 7BJ | |
| Bankers: | HSBC plc |
| 465 Bethnal Green Road | |
| London E2 9QW | |
| CCLA Investment Management Ltd The | |
| CBF Church of England Funds | |
| Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria | |
| Street London EC4V 4ET |
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green
(A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
The Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green (the PCC) present their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC is committed to witnessing to the Christian Gospel through worship, nurture, pastoral care, and service. We seek:
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to maintain the tradition of prayer and worship that has taken place here since 1828 through regular services, the provision of occasional offices (Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals), and pastoral care;
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to nurture the worshipping community through preaching and teaching;
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to provide opportunities for service to the wider community through the provision of space in our crypt and hall for voluntary groups and social businesses;
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to facilitate these objectives, and to relate them to our Christian heritage, by maintaining and developing our buildings, especially the grade1 listed church, designed by Sir John Soane.
Membership
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. PCC members are elected for a one-year appointment.
During the year the following served as members of the PCC or assisted in the running of church activities.
Elected members:
Clare Barnett (Electoral Roll Officer) Lois Lewington Joy Stanton (Secretary) Marcia Charles Clare Barnett Paul Kelly (Stepped down May 2025) Patricia Shaw Belinda Harman (Elected May 2025)
Ex-officio members:
Incumbent: The Reverend Darren Wolf (licensed 21 September 2023) Churchwarden: Debra Frame (also Children’s Champion and Vice Chair) Deanery Synod Representative: Barbara Perrott
Aim and Purposes
St John’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, the Reverend Darren Wolf, in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the church building, together with its crypt and hall at 200 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity.
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St John’s the membership of the PCC consists of the parish clergy, churchwardens and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All who regularly attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.
Safeguarding
The parish of St John on Bethnal Green is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of London’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. The policy is reviewed by the PCC annually.
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green
(A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Review of the Year
In 2025 the PCC focused heavily on growing the functions of the church and services including an expansion of Evensong services and the growth of the Junior Evensong choir to support four additional services per month. There has also been a new Choral Eucharist service established on Sunday evenings. The church has seen a growth in the Sunday 10am Anglo-Catholic service and has been able to engage with local families and children through expanded schools work, youth outreach, and the expansion of the Tots and Toddlers baby group which seeks to address loneliness in families in the parish. We have continued to support local charities and businesses that work for the benefit of the community through rental space in the crypt. We have also launched a Thursday afternoon Junior Evensong which has deepened the relationship to the local community and school.
Public Benefit
St John on Bethnal Green benefits the public by way of: regular worship that is open to all, the provision of sacred space for personal prayer and contemplation, pastoral work (including the visiting of the sick and the bereaved), teaching Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups, expanded schools work and youth outreach across the borough, supporting parents and carers through the B and supporting charities in the UK and overseas.
Financial Review
The results of the period and financial position of the charity are shown in the annexed financial statements. The Statement of Financial Activities shows net income for the year of £(13,322) (2024: (33,671)) and total funds of £43,794 (2024: £57,116).
Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity
Fixed assets are set out in Note 10 to the accounts.
Reserves Policy
The trustees consider that a policy of holding a minimum of 12 months income as a general reserve is appropriate for the charity. This is under review in 2025. The unrestricted reserves at the end of the year were £37,908, which the trustees recognise is below target. The budget for 2026 is set at a small surplus and the trustees aim to build up reserves over the subsequent years.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 1st June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Debra Frame, Trustee
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green
(A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities for the year ended 31 December 2025
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The trustees are required by law to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the financial activities of the charity and of its financial position at the end of that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:
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a) Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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b) Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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c) Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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d) Follow applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts;
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e) Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with Charities Act 2011, the Charity SORP (FRS 102) and the provisions of the governing document. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green (A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Independent Examiner's Report
to the PCC of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green (A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 December 2025
| Income from: Donations, legacies and grants 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Total Income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total Expenditure Net gains/(losses) on investments 6 Net (expenditure)/income Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2025 2025 £ £ 26,881 5,898 (250) - 66,757 - 1,583 - |
Total 2025 £ 32,779 (250) 66,757 1,583 |
Total 2024 £ 37,738 555 59,604 2,021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94,971 5,898 15,720 - 96,060 2,412 |
100,869 15,720 98,471 |
99,918 17,121 116,469 |
|
| 111,779 2,412 - - (16,808) 3,486 - - (16,808) 3,486 54,716 **2,400 ** |
114,191 - (13,322) - (13,322) 57,116 |
133,589 - (33,671) - (33,671) 90,787 |
|
| 37,908 **5,886 ** |
43,794 | 57,116 | |
All incoming resources and resources expended are derived from continuing activities. The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green (A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Balance Sheet
as at 31 December 2025
| Notes Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 11 Debtors Total current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets/(liabilities) Funds of the charity Unrestricted 14 Restricted 14 Total funds |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds £ £ 43,067 5,886 1,578 - |
Total funds 2025 £ 48,952 1,578 |
Total funds 2024 £ 74,569 677 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44,644 5,886 6,736 - |
50,530 6,736 |
75,246 18,130 |
|
| 37,908 5,886 |
43,794 | 57,116 | |
| 54,716 2,400 |
|||
| 37,908 5,886 |
|||
| 43,794 | 57,116 | ||
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 1[st] June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Debra Frame, Trustee
The notes on subsequent pages form part of these accounts.
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green (A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Accounting Policies for the year ended 31 December 2025
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with:
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a) Applicable UK accounting standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)'.
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b) 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) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP FRS 102);
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c) the Charities Act 2011.
Public benefit entity
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue to operate and accordingly the accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.
Income recognition
Voluntary income and donations (including legacies) are accounted for once the PCC has entitlement to the income, it is probable the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be reliably measured. Income from the recovery of tax on gift aided donations is accounted for in the period to which the relevant donation is received. Grant income is recognised on a receivable basis.
The income from trading activities includes rental income from the letting of church premises which is accounted for when earned. It is shown gross, with the associated costs included in fundraising costs.
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
Expenditure recognition
Expenditure is accrued as soon as a liability is considered probable, and the amount of obligation can be measured reliably. Longer term liabilities are discounted to present value. The PCC is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure includes VAT where appropriate.
Expenditure included in Raising Funds includes amounts incurred in obtaining grants and other donations and property maintenance costs.
Charitable expenditure includes those costs expended in fulfilling the PCC’s principal objects, as outlined in the Report of the PCC. These include grants payable, governance costs and an apportionment of support costs.
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Grants payable are payments made to third parties in furtherance of the PCC’s objects. In the case of an unconditional grant offer this is accrued once the recipient has been notified of the grant award. The notification gives the recipient a reasonable expectation that they will receive the grant. Grants awards that are subject to the recipient fulfilling performance conditions are only accrued when the recipient has been notified of the grant and any remaining unfulfilled condition attaching to that grant is outside of the control of the PCC.
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Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the PCC and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to the independent examination and legal fees.
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Rentals under operating leases are charged as incurred over the term of the lease.
Restricted Funds
Restricted funds are to be used for specified purposes as laid down by the funder. Direct and support expenditure which meets these criteria are identified to the fund together with a fair allocation of other costs.
Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted funds are funds received which have no restrictions placed on their use and are available as general funds.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
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(A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green
Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2025
Tangible Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
| Furniture & fittings | - 20% on cost |
|---|---|
| Office equipment | - 25% on cost |
| Computer equipment | - 25% on cost |
Items of equipment are only capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £1000.
Consecrated Property and Moveable Church Furnishings
Consecrated land and benefice property such as the church building and vicarage is excluded from the accounts in accordance with s10 of the Charities Act 2011. Moveable church contents are held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and require a faculty for disposal. They are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated. All expenditure incurred on consecrated or benefice buildings and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is expressed within the Statement of Financial Activities.
Investments
Investments are shown in the balance sheet at closing market value. Surpluses or deficits on valuation are credited or charged to the statement of financial activities.
Trustees' emoluments
Emoluments include salaries, fees, bonuses, expense allowances and estimated non-cash benefits receivable. All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and do not receive payment for their services.
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green (A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2025
| 2 Net incoming resources are stated after charging Independent Examiner's fees 3 Income from donations, legacies, and grants Donations Grant income 4 Income from charitable activities Service fees, net of amounts paid to the Diocese 5 Income from trading activities Art classes Bar sales Church hire Crypt licences Crypt utility income Flat Rental Hall hire Production commission 6 Income from investments Bank interest received Total income |
2025 2024 £ £ 400 400 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 £ £ £ £ 11,881 491 12,372 12,523 15,000 5,407 20,407 25,215 |
|---|---|
| 26,881 5,898 32,779 37,738 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 £ £ £ £ (250) - (250) 555 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 £ £ £ £ 3,348 - 3,348 4,068 1,693 - 1,693 3,913 8,750 - 8,750 6,425 25,024 - 25,024 18,389 6,514 - 6,514 6,219 15,493 - 15,493 15,493 5,935 - 5,935 4,830 - - 268 |
|
| 66,757 - 66,757 59,604 1,583 - 1,583 2,021 |
|
| 94,971 5,898 100,869 99,918 |
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green
(A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2025
| 7 Expenditure on raising funds Art classes Bar expenses Flat rental costs 8 Expenditure on charitable activities Advertising & marketing Bank charges Cleaning Clergy expenses Common Fund Freelance staff Independent examination fees Insurance IT and website Legal expenses Light, Power, Water, Heating Liturgical costs Office costs Pastoral costs Repairs & maintenance Salaries Staff support costs Subscriptions Sundry expenses Telephone & internet Transaction fees Upkeep of services 9 Staff costs Staff salaries |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 £ £ £ £ - - - - 1,017 - 1,017 2,637 14,703 - 14,703 14,483 |
|---|---|
| 15,720 - 15,720 17,121 732 - 732 152 166 - 166 414 1,294 - 1,294 568 25 - 25 25 50,000 - 50,000 37,000 - - - 1,875 (800) - (800) 400 7,901 - 7,901 7,727 685 - 685 553 - - - 624 15,409 - 15,409 17,805 2,044 - 2,044 361 53 - 53 953 - - - 126 9,024 - 9,024 26,727 2,489 2,027 4,516 1,719 142 - 142 10,856 1,321 - 1,321 1,208 44 - 44 - 488 - 488 1,059 30 - 30 88 5,012 385 5,397 6,228 |
|
| 96,060 2,412 98,471 116,469 2025 2024 £ £ 4,516 1,719 |
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green (A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2025
10 Tangible fixed assets
None to report
| 11 Bank and cash in hand PCC: HSBC Community account Arts: HSBC Community account CBF Deposit fund 1 CBF Deposit fund 2 Development Fund: HSBC Community account Development Fund: HSBC BMM account Equals Stripe 12 Creditors Trade creditors Accruals Wages payable |
2025 2024 £ £ 4,461 8,323 - 397 33,281 31,840 173 165 3,832 21,867 6,911 11,776 259 200 36 - |
|---|---|
| 48,952 74,569 2025 2024 £ £ 4,921 16,530 400 1,600 1,416 - |
|
| 6,736 18,130 |
| 13 Movement of funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Baby Hub Buildings Fund Music Director Prayer Book Society Memorial for Alan Green Total restricted funds Total funds 14 Movement of funds: prior year Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Memorial for Alan Green Total funds |
Opening balance Income Expenditure Transfers Closing balance 54,716 94,971 (111,779) - 37,908 - 700 - 700 - 491 - 491 - 3,007 (2,027) 980 - 1,700 (385) 1,315 2,400 - - - 2,400 |
|---|---|
| 2,400 5,898 (2,412) - 5,886 |
|
| 57,116 100,869 (114,191) - 43,794 Opening balance Income Expenditure Transfers Closing balance 88,387 99,918 (133,589) - 54,716 2,400 - - - 2,400 |
|
| 90,787 99,918 (133,589) - 57,116 |
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(A Parochial Church Council registered as a charity, number: 1132150)
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John on Bethnal Green
Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2025
15 Related party transactions
During the year total donations received from PCC members, their close family members and business associates was £1,523 (2024: £3,498). No remuneration was paid to any Trustee or their associates for services as a trustee during the year ended 31 December 2025 nor to 31 December 2024.
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