Annual Report
and
Financial Statements
Year ended 31 December 2023
Registered Charity No. 1133066
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PCC Annual Report for the year to 31 DECEMBER 2023
| PCC Annual Report | for the year to 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
|---|---|
| The Parochial Church Council of St Paul’s Letchworth | |
| Registered charity number (if any) | 1133066 |
| Charity’s principal address | 179 Pixmore Way, Letchworth, Hertfordshire. SG6 1QT |
Names of the PCC Members who manage the charity:
| Name | Office(if any) | Dates acted if not for wholeyear | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rev Jeni McQuaid | Incumbent | ||
| Rev Amanda Ferris | Associate Vicar | ||
| Rev Nick Smith | Associate Vicar | From February 2023 | |
| Rachel Snow | Assistant Curate | To February 2023 | |
| Jess Batten | Assistant Curate | From July 2023 | |
| Derek Snow | Church warden | To February 2023 | |
| Nathan Mellors | Church warden | From April 2023 to October 2023 | |
| Natalie Bhakhri | Church warden | From April 2023 to November 2023 | |
| Chris Dingwall | Treasurer | Co Opted May 2023 | |
| Judith Nash | Synod Rep. | To June 2026 | |
| Madeline Nicholas | Synod Rep. | To June 2023 | |
| Irene Adam | Elected Member | ||
| Keith Blundell | PCC Secretary | “ “ | |
| Sam Brazier | “ “ | ||
| Beccie Galloway | “ “ | ||
| Ben Grierson-Hill | “ “ | ||
| Anne Hignell | “ “ | ||
| Louise Hoy | “ “ | ||
| Chris Hulme | “ “ | ||
| Miriam John | “ “ | ||
| Hannah Mellors | “ “ | ||
| Helen Pattinson | “ “ | ||
| Dan Pinco | “ “ | ||
| Paul Thomson | “ “ | ||
| Judith Nash | “ “ | ||
| Kunal Bhakhri | To November 2023 | “ “ | |
| Pam Hull | To April 2023 | “ “ | |
| Paul Owen | To April 2023 | “ “ | |
| Emily Wilkinson | To April 2023 | “ “ | |
| Emma Vernon | Children and Families Worker | Observer | |
| Claire McDonnell | Youth Worker | Observer |
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Names and addresses of advisors:
| s and addresses of advisors: | |
|---|---|
| Architects | Iain Frearson, 20 Shott Lane, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 1SE |
| Bankers | National Westminster Bank, Station Place, Letchworth. SG6 3AL |
| Deanery Synod representatives (entitled to attend PCC) |
Judith Nash |
Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
How the St Paul’s Letchworth is a registered charity as well as being part of the Church Church is of England. constituted
The structure and governance arrangements of the charity are set out by the Church of England and St Albans Diocese. The church sits within the Hitchin Deanery and the Archdeaconry of St Albans. Full details of governance arrangements are set out on the St Albans Diocese website.
St Paul’s is part of a Joint Benefice with All Saints’ Willian & St Mary’s Old Letchworth, jointly served by the incumbent, associate ministers, curate, and readers. All Saints’ and St Mary’s is administered by its own PCC, appointed from its own membership, and has separate financial records and accountability. St Paul’s PCC has no responsibility for the pastoral or administrative affairs of All Saints’ and St Mary’s.
PCC and The responsibilities of St Paul’s PCC are enshrined in the Parochial Church Committees Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. As such, the purpose of the PCC is to cooperate with the incumbent in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. The PCC is responsible for the maintenance of all church buildings and grounds, ensuring the smooth running of the church and for ensuring that the church in compliant with all relevant legislation relating to its functions – health and safety, data protection, safeguarding and employment law. The ordained ministers, curates, readers, and church wardens become members of the PCC on appointment. Elected members are appointed by ballot of church members at the APCM on 3-year terms, with vacancies during the year being filled by PCC.
PCC meets its objectives achieved through:
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Full PCC meetings 6 times a year, bi-monthly
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Standing Committee, which has powers to act on behalf of PCC, meeting 6 times a year bi-monthly, alternating with PCC
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Missionary Committee which oversees the church’s links with our mission partners
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Ad hoc task groups, formed during the year as required.
None of St. Paul’s objectives would have been achieved without the dedication and support of our 3 staff members (our Children and Family’s worker, our Youth Worker, and our Parish Administrator) and the very many church members who give their time voluntarily and unstintingly in all areas of church life.
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Objectives and activities
| Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing and the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit) document |
Our Vision –“Lives transformed by the light and love of Jesus” The first notable thing about this report, is that rather than being written by a Churchwarden, it comes from your Vicar, for the second year running! I am grateful beyond words to John Cliff for being willing to stand for election this year. I implore you to continue to pray for a second warden, I also beg your forgiveness for any errors in the below as it is being written during Easter preparations. I have such hope as I sit and write this, not just in the risen Jesus (what else is needed!) but in the fruit I am seeing after a few tough years emerging from Covid and making some difficult, but much needed changes. We are once again seeing the numbers that we saw before the pandemic (235). Our demographic has changed, we are younger, we are messier, and we look a little more like the disciples, thank you Jesus! It is impossible to thank all the people who pour themselves out in service to make this happen, so I will just draw on a few highlights of the last year. On Easter Sunday 2023 we were able to announce that we had the finance necessary to complete the essential work on the roof. At the time of writing the sheeting is due to come down and I am so filled with gratitude to all who have made this possible. To those who gave, to those who served, to those who wrote grant applications and liaised with Architects, my heartfelt thanks. Though we are still waiting on a few grants to meet the additional work that was uncovered, I am filled with faith that God will provide our needs. In June we had the great joy of accompanying 13 people in baptism and/or confirmation. The service was so joyful as candidates shared their testimonies and many were baptised by full emersion. We look forward to hosting Bishop Jane again in the summer to do it all again! In 2022 we noticed that people in their 20s were trying St Paul’s but not sticking. We began the Emerge Home Group to form a place where they could meet one another and grow in their faith and discipleship. There were 4 people at the time of starting, and we are now able to boast 27 members. Praise God! This is the missing demographic in church. It has been wonderful to restart Men’s Ministry thanks to Nick Smith and Nick Pitman. The first meeting with Michael Emmet as guest speaker was very well attended as was the social later in the term and we hope it will be the first of many. Although Jess Batten only joined us in the summer, she has immersed so fully in the life of the church it feels as if she’s been here for years! Jess and Nick have been instrumental in supporting the Emerge Group while Laura Hulme has been on mat leave for which I am enormously grateful. Our young people continue to grow both in faith, with a number making commitments to follow Jesus at New Wine last summer and numerically. Claire has launched “Alert” for the younger youth and “After Hours” for the olderyouth either side of the SIX:30 on the first Sundayof the month and they |
|---|---|
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| Summary of the main activities during the year Safeguarding |
frequently attract many of the young people who sit together in the service. As their friendships deepen so does their connectivity with their faith. We continue to see families join the church largely thanks to the continuing creativity and hard work of our Children and Families worker Emma. This year Em has launched “Prayers with Bears” and an after-school club both of which have seen “unchurched” families come an build relationships with us. This breaking down of walls is critical to our evangelism. Over 100 of us attended New Wine in the summer. The weather was horrific, so camping was a challenge (to put it mildly!) but several people came to faith and encountered God in powerful ways. No weather can stop Him! That said, please do pray for a more temperate weather week this year! One of our focuses recently has been increased connectivity between all our ministries, and we see more new congregation members worshiping on Sunday having “joined the dots” from other ministries such as Toddlers and Alpha. I am indebted to the whole ministry team for being more mindful of the need to pass the baton on as we engage with people, but also to Miriam John who has worked wonders with our communication. All that you read above is underpinned and supported by our Administrator Vicky Cameron who deals with more on a daily basis than I think any of us realise and I wish to express my deep gratitude to her. In all that we do, the PCC, as trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit document. |
|---|---|
| Our activities are: Regular public worship open to all; administration of the sacraments, including preparation for baptism and marriage; conducting funerals; the provision of sacred space for personal prayer and contemplation; pastoral work, including visiting the sick and bereaved; Christian teaching through talks, courses and small groups; taking religious assemblies in schools; youth work with a Christian ethos; promoting the whole mission of the church though a range of activities for older people; work with young children and their families - parents and toddlers; collaborating with our Ecumenical brothers and sisters in Letchworth on a range of community activities, including the provision of a Food Bank and The Ark, a drop in centre for homeless and vulnerable adults; supporting other charities in the UK and overseas. |
|
| The PCC has complied with its duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). |
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Financial review
The PCC is committed to maintaining the following reserves:
Brief statement of the • Capital Fund - £9,912 representing the PCC’s strategic interest in the charity’s policy on reserves curate’s accommodation. • Working Capital reserve – £55,000 equivalent to 3 months expenditure • Financial results The principal sources of income and expenditure are set out in the financial statements for the year. The funds available to the PCC at year-end remain adequate to achieve its objectives in 2023.
Provisions are in place to meet the estimated costs arising from 5-yearly quinquennial reviews. The PCC will continue to seek funding in the next financial period for the repairs to the North Aisle roof, including fund-raising and financial grants.
Declaration
The members declare that they have approved the PCC Annual Report above.
Signed on behalf of the PCC 3 July 2024
Rev Jeni McQuaid Keith Blundell Minister Secretary
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St Paul's Letchworth Statement of financial activities Year ended 31 December 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Note Total 2023 Total 2022 Income Voluntary Income Income from fees and charges Income from local mission activities Income from investments Other Totsl incoming resources 210,506 28,781 189.833 28.931 1.921 10,435 889 28.2 1,921 10,435 889 1,647 ..393 Expenditure Ministry Parish share Support provided to missionaries Cost of generating fees and charges Costs of local mission activities Buildings an(1 other runnings cosl Total resources used 49,581 90,313 19,335 33,152 4.226 116,306 31UJ13 25,854 90,313 19,335 35.872 18.839 166,773 86,4Q9 2,719 14,613 50.466 932 31,599 177,616 360,097 Net Incomellexpenditurel 162.3031 Transfer between fvnds 99,973 199,9731 Net movement In funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 34.529 26,528 61,057 27,196 Total funds carried forward n,199 24W05
St Paul's Letchworth Balance Sheet Year ended 31 December 2023 2023 2022 Note Flxed assets TanEible asset5 Total flxed asset5 9.912 .9.911 9.912 9.912 Current assets Debtors Cash and cash equivalents Total curret assets 56,621 286,062 17,651 261,381 279m2 Creditors: amounts fallin8 due within one year 9,350 7,887 Net current assets -" 333?33 :. :::: 2n,us Totsl assets les5 current liabilitles Provision5 for liabilities io 246.239 220.LNX) Total net assets Funds Restrirted funds Unrestricted funds li li 24,805 72,199 26,528 34,529 Total funds 61.057 Approved and authorised for issue by the board on 20 June 2024 Signed on behalf of the board of trustees.. Chris Dingwall Treasurer Date.. 20 June 2024
Notes to the financial statements I Significant accounting policies Basls of accountlng The PCC is a body corporate and a charty registered with the Charities Commission. The addre55 of the registered office is given in the administrative details section of the trustees annual report. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The account5 have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charrties- the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial ReFK)rting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021, the Charities Act 2011, UK Generally Apted Accounting Prartice and cornp with the PCC'S governing document and the Churth Accounting Regulations 21N)6. The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fairf view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2LXJ8 only to the extent required to provKle a 'true and fair viev/. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Chartties= Statement of Recommended Prartice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance WTth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued on 16 Juty 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Prartice effertive from l April 2005 which has since been withdrawn. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basi5 under the historical c05t convention. The financial statements are presented in pounds Sterling rounded to the nearest pound. There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accountingl since last year. Recognition of Income Income is Included in the Ststement of Financial Activriies ISOFAI when: The church becomes entitled to the resources: The church 15 Virtually certain to receive the resources.. and The monetary value can be measured with suffKient reliability. Offsettin8 There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses. unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102. Grants and donatlons Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity ha5 uncondit¢onal entitlement to the resources. Glft Ald tax reclaims on donations and gifts Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated a5 an addition to the same fund
as the initial donation unless the donor or the temis of the appeal have spectfied otherwise. Gift5 in kind, donated services and volunteer help Gifts in kind, donated services and volunteer help a not included in the SOFA. Investment Income This is inclijded in the account5 when receipt 15 probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably. Fund5 Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in fvrtherance of the general objettives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for partKular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds are fvnd5 which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statemerbts. Tangible fixed a55ets Consecrated land and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by the Charities Art 2011. Individual tangible fixed asset5 COStin8 in exces5 of £5.0(Y) will be capttali5ed over the estimated useful life of the asset. Expenditure below £5,000 is treated as expenditure in the year taking place. Freehold property represents the interest of the PCC in 89 Howard Drwe and is carried at cost. Depreciation is charged at 2% on cost less estimated residual value on a systematic basi5 over the expected useful life of the asset. The market value 15 considered to be not less than cost. As the estimated resi(lual value is not less than cost. no depreciation is provided for. Debtors Debtors (including trade debtor5 and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently. they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received. Cash and cash equi¥aleT Cash and cash equivalent5 comprise on hand and demand deposits that are subjert to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Liability recognition Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constrnctive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the oblatIon can be measured with reasonable certainty. io
Provisions for liabllities and charges Provisions are recognised when the charty has an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it Is probable that an oufflow of economic beneffts will be requId in settlement and the amount can be reliably estimated. 2 Analysi5 of Income Unre5trirted Restricted 2023 2022 Voluntary Income Covenanted givin8 Collections Donations, gifts and grants Gift Aid tax recoverable 163,308 3.699 10.886 32,614 4,080 167.388 3,699 163,305 65,947 167,101 3,156 129,360 59,285 152.419 33,334 Totsl Voluntary income in 2022 was £358,902 of which £151.664 was attributable to restricted funds and £207.238 wa5 attributable to unrestricted furbd5. Income from fees arbd charges Weddings and funerals Church hall lettings 4,167 24,614 150 4,317 24,614 6,648 21,648 Total Income from fees and charges in 2022 was £28.296 of which £nil was attributable to restricted fvnds and £28,296 was attributable to unrestricted funds. 3 Expenditure Analysls Unrestrlcd Restrfcted 2023 2022 Ministry Clergv Children and families Youth work 6,922 22,317 20.342 21.875 1.961 2,018 28,797 24,278 22,360 2,018 20,941 10.266 Totsl Expenditure on ministry in 2022 wa5 £33,225 of which £1.927 was attributable to re5tritted funds and £31,298 wa5 attributable to unrestricted funds. Unrestricted Restrlrted 2023 2022 Buildings and other running costs Church building Equipment non capital and maintenance Administration costs Independent examiner fee 76,365 6,669 32,432 76,365 57,136 32,432 135.613 9,554 31,899 750 50.466 Total i06 Expenditure on buildings and other running costs in 2022 was £177,816 of which El,906 wa5 attributable to restricted fund5 and £175,910 was attributable to unrestricted funds. li
Church building expendwture includes a provision made for major work5 arising from the Quinquennial review Isee notes 10 & 111. 4 stsff c¢)sts 2023 2022 statt Costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 60,110 45,791 612 3,699 .. 50.102 3.848 St Paul's contributes 6% of salaries to employee personal pension schemes. No employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,1JXJ. Average number of employee5 in the year. No. Ministry team Administration 16 5 Trustees, remuneratlon and expenses Members of the PCC received no fees, allowances or travelling expenses for serving on the PCC12022 same). During the year. the PCC entered into a Locally Supported Ministry agreement with the Diocese relating to the Associate Vicar, Nicholas Smwth, who is a member of the PCC. The total contribution from the PCC towards this post for this financial period was £ 27.547 which was made up of payroll costs of £17,090 (paid to the Diocese), including pension of £3,858 and payments to the Associate Vicar toward5 housing costs of £10,457. The Diocese provided a £25,1JXJ grant in the year to the PCC to support the annual costs of the appointment of the Associate Vicar and £21.875 was recognised in grant income this year representing the portion of the year that the Associate Vicar was employed. 6 Tangible assets 2023 2022 Freehold property Cost at l January 2023 Cost at 31 December Z023 9,912 9,912 7 Debtors 2023 2022 Trade debtors Gift Aid tax recoverable Taxation and social security Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 56.463 41 14,619 3,033 117 Total 17.651 12
8 Cash and 5h equivalents 2023 2022 Short term deposit5 Cash at bank an(1 in hand 231,697 54,365 221.531 39,850 9 Creditors and accrua15 falling due wlthln one year 2023 2022 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Other creditors 231 9.081 38 151 7.196 540 10 Provisions for Ilabllities 2023 2022 Balance at the start of the reporting period Amounts added in current period Amounts charged against the provision the cUrt period Balance at the end of the reporting period 220,000 56,514 30.275 39 118.530 118,234 16,764 Amounts charged against the provision in the current period reflects the expenditure incurred towards the Quinquennial works. and expenditure relating to the removal of asbestos from the church hall that was included within the provision Set in 2021. The provision carried forward reflect5 the total estimated costs required for the entirety of the necessary works to the church roof as detailed within the Quinquennial report dated June 2021. The provision has been increased to reflect the estimated costs of the addr(ional nece55ary work discovered during the repair5. The provision has ljeen charged to the General Fund. Any deficit within the General Fund at the time when provision is due will be covered by the Building5 Fund Iwhich has been the recipient fund of the "Raising the Roof, fundraising campaignl and other unrestrirted funds.
11 Fund reconciliation Vnrestrirted funds Fund Name Balance at 0110112023 Balance at 3111212023 Type Income Expenditure General Fund Capital Working Capital Legacy unstricted Designated Designated Designated 130,3831 9,912 55,1YJO 340,583 311,941 11,7401 9,912 55,000 9,028 10,000 972 Balance at 0110112022 Balance at 3111212022 Fund Name Type Income Expendfture General Fund Capital Working Capital Legacy Unrestricted Designated Desi8nated Designated 162,SY131 9.912 55,1JJO 379,768 347,248 130,3831 9,912 55,000 Capital fund represent5 the c05t of the Church's equtty interest in 89 Howard DrNe. Working Capital reserve represents approximately 3 month5, Costs. excluding funded building work5. The change5 Within the General fund represent the excess of income and endowments over expenditure and includes the expenditure associated with the increase in the provision. Any deficit within the fvnd once the provision is due will be covered by the Buildings fund and unrestricted funds. 14
11 Fund reconclllation {continued) Restricted funds Fund Name Balance at 0110112023 Balance at 3111212023 Type Income Expenditure Associate Vicar Grant Audio Visual Equipment Buildings Buildings IProvisionl Children's Welfare Restrirted Restricted Restricted Restrirted Restrirted 25.CXJ) 86 56,829 21,875 86 3,125 35 56,829 156,8291 629 35 56,829 171 50 750 F_Iii-311 Children's Work Church Holidays and Retreats Community Cafe Connect Diocese Energy Fund Fabric Fund Fabric Fund (Transfer to General Fund) Flowers Home Worship Packs Little Eden Luncheon Club New Bibles Refreshments Toddlers Uniform Bank Warm Space Welfare WLTDO Youth Worker Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted 3,276 5,948 5,493 107 5,416 2.726 270 4,528 3,043 1,466 45 2,279 50.605 4,164 5.631 4,297 62 1.279 I,o(x) 93,750 43,145 Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restrirted Restricted Restrirted Restrirted Restritted Restricted Restricte(i Restricted 43,145 250 140 2.899 2.112 650 272 802 143,1451 308 155 40 408 295 2.940 1.237 150 2.718 650 272 1,842 1,865 18 755 2.120 22 651 1,714 18 755 2,120 323 343 738 898 437 1,235
11 Fund reconciliation (contlnuedl Restricted funds Fufid Name Balance at 0110112022 Income Expendlture Balance at 3111212022 A550ciate Vicar Grant Audio Visual Equipment Buildings Buildings (Provision) Children'5 Welfare Children's Work Church Holidays and Retats CommLtnity Café Connect Diocese Energy Fund Flowers Home Worship Packs Little Eden Luncheon Club Toddlers Uniform Bank Warm Space Welfare WLTDO Youth Worker Restricted Restrirted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restrirted Restricted Restrirted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restrirted Restricted Restrirted 1,160 132.012 1.125 781 141,836 35 141.836 1141,8361 50 3,277 5,947 5,493 106 10,605 50 2,462 8,062 7,497 3.954 3.139 2,115 2.058 85 54 191 1,279 20 1,279 407 295 2,940 1,237 1,865 18 755 2,121 22 681 976 566 589 271 108 507 3,048 1.299 1,298 445 1.327 57 1,288 760 39 533 142 2.163 17 1,028 250 597 The building fund is restricted to major building work5. intluding the major works arising from the Quinquennial report, and include5 a grant of £IO.000 from the Lord Grimthorpe Trust. In addTtion to the figure for the Buildings Fund. the PCC has been informed after year end of their successful application5 to the followin8 grants towards the North Aisle repairs- Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust Letchworth GC Heritage Foundation Garfield Weston Benefact TrLtst .0 10,0 .000 621 The Fabric Fund consists of monies donated towards the purchase of new chairs in the church. WÉth permission from the donor, the excess of the funds following the purchase of the chairs was transferre(I to the General Fund. 16
12 Analysls of net assets between funds Designated Funds Restrirted Funds Generdl funds Total 2023 Fixed assets Current assets Creditors and provisions Transfers between fund5 Total net assets 9.912 64,028 9,912 342,682 1255,5891 153,875 1255,5891 99.973 124.779 199,9731 Total Designated Funds Restricted Fund5 General funds Total 2022 Fixed asset5 Current assets Creditors and provisions Transfers between funds Total net assets 9.912 55,Ll)O 9.912 279.032 1227,8871 55,668 1227,8871 141.836 168,364 1141,8361 Total 13 Transartions wlth relaied parties The Church of England and r(5 Diocese in St Albans is a related party. Payments were made to the Diocese of St Albans as follows- 2023 2022 Parish Share 90.313 86.409 Parish share is a contribution to the running costs of the D)ceSe arbd includes Ministry stipendiary costs. 2023 2022 Wedding and funeral fees 2.258 4,343 Diocesan fees are recovered in full as part of the fees charged. Fee income is included in note 2: income from fees and charges. Voluntary income includes donations from thurch members, including PCC members. Oonations received without conditions from PCC member5 totslled £14,669. Church members. including PCC member5, are reimbursed for costs incurred whilst helping with church artivities. During the year a trustee was employed by the PCC as Associate Vicar. Refer note 5 for details. There were no other transactions with related parties. 17
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT to the Trnstees ol St Paul's Letchworth I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charty for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 7 to 17. Responsibilities and basis of report As the Charity's Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Att 2011 I'the Arf). I report in respect of my examination of the charivs accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Art and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Dirertions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent Examinerfs Statement Your attention is to drawn to the fact that the chafrty has ppared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charrties preparing their accounts in accordance with the Finarbcial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on l April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulation5 but has Sin been withdrawn. We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in atcord3nce with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effertive for reporting periods beginning on or after l January 2015. Since the chariws gr05s income exceeded £250,000 your examirber must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodie5. I have completed my examination. I confimi 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 accounts do not accord with those records,. or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reportsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairvievK which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 18
have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to whith attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. R A Cox FCA IICAEWI Miller & Co. Chartered Accountants 5 Imperial Court, Laporte Way Luton, Bedfordshire LU4 8FE Date: 21 June 2024 19