Registered Charity no. 1133696
The Parochial Church Council of St George with St Martin Poynton
Known as St George's Church Poynton
Trustees Annual Report and Accounts Year Ended 31st December 2024
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Contents Page
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Information | 1 |
| Trustees' Annual Report | 4 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 |
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Legal and Administrative Information
Reference
The Charity is called “The Parochial Church Council of St George with St Martin Poynton”. The Parochial Church Council is known as the PCC for short. Other names which are used for the charity are "St George's Church Poynton". The Church is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and was registered on 22 January 2010. Before this, the church was excepted registration.
Registered Charity Number
1133696
Registered Office
Poynton Parish Church Fountain Close Poynton Stockport Cheshire SK12 1NH
Website
poyntonparishchurch.org
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Legal and Administrative Information
Parochial Church Council (PCC) Members and Trustees
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. From the last APCM the following served as members of the PCC.
| Date | Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Appointed | Resigned | |
| Rev Matthew Swires-Hennessy | Chair | 25/10/2020 | |
| John Adridge | 12/05/2024 | ||
| Debbie Holt | 12/05/2024 | ||
| Andrew Christopher Holden | 14/05/2023 | ||
| Margaret Ruth Arthur | 15/05/2022 | ||
| Stephen John Brain | 15/05/2022 | ||
| Gillian Audrey Golding | 15/05/2022 | ||
| Rev Christine Judith Buckley | |||
| Peter John Walker | |||
| Elisabeth Bowles | |||
| Leslie Hutchinson | |||
| David Myers | |||
| Linda Bell | |||
| Helen Kershaw | |||
| Joyce Corlett | |||
| Valerie Vibrans | |||
| Hannah Brackenbury | |||
| David Mcclelland | |||
| Valerie Gail Parry | |||
| Vivienne Metcalfe | |||
| Rev Jennifer Ruth Prince | 15/05/2022 | 01/08/2024 | |
| Brain Clarke | 12/05/2024 | ||
| Eileen Shore | 12/05/2024 | ||
| Susan Patricia Coleman | 16/09/2024 | ||
| Victoria Timothy | 12/05/2024 | ||
| Margaret Goode | 12/05/2024 |
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Legal and Administrative Information
Primary Bankers
Independent Examiner:
NatWest 10 Great Underbank Cheshire Stockport SK1 1LL Nigel Wyatt BSC FCA Wyatt & Co Chartered Accountants 125 Main Street Garforth Leeds LS25 1AF
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Trustees' Annual Report
Public Benefit Statement
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our trustees have given consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular the advancement of the Christian faith through the provision of worship and teaching services and the relief of sickness, financial hardship and promoting good health. This has been achieved by the provision of funds, and services.
Organisational Structure; Recruitment, Appointment and Induction of New Trustees
St George's Church Poynton (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charities Commission (registration number 1133696). 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 method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (our vicar), churchwardens and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services / members of the congregation 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.
Financial Review
We are grateful to God for another year of His generous provision which has enabled a continued expansion of our ministry activities and service to our community.
We have a remarkable net surplus for the year of approximately £80,000. This largely thanks to a generous legacy gift but has also arisen due to a number of other factors, most notably a £20,000 underspend of our 2024 budget (arising due to unforeseen delays in carrying out planned property maintenance, which will instead be carried forward into 2025.)
Our income from lettings remains very healthy and we are delighted to see that our facilities continue to be used to full capacity by a wide variety of groups, both religious and secular, as well as private hirers.
We are extremely glad to have been able to welcome a large number of newcomers to our church over the last 12-18 months. A substantial increase in regular giving has taken place in 2024, thanks both to our new donors and the increased generosity of our existing donors. We are very grateful for all donations, big and small: generally speaking, donations and Gift Aid make up over 70% of our income and we simply would not be able to operate without the generosity of individuals.
This increased generosity has impacted the outlook for our sustainability: whereas I had been at pains in previous years to make it clear that our ordinary everyday income does not fully cover our ordinary everyday expenditure, our ordinary income and expenditure are now broadly in balance. This means that only capital projects and major repairs now give us cause to draw on our reserves.
We are extremely fortunate as a church to have plentiful reserves which have continued to grow during both 2023 and 2024; we have now fully recovered the substantial losses which took place in 2022. In conjunction with a broader review of our reserves policy, the PCC has begun a process of prayerful reflection, analysis and planning as to how we can best identify good uses for our ample resources. We would be grateful if you would pray with and for the PCC committee during this process.
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Trustees' Annual Report
A substantial portion of our reserves have been earmarked for the “ToNIC” project, comprising a proposed extension to the church building to provide toilet and kitchenette facilities. The PCC continues to work through the statutory approval process(es) and this is likewise a welcome topic for prayer.
The outlook remains very positive: our finances are stable and we have exciting prospects for the physical and spiritual expansion of our church. We look forward with confidence to another exciting year; thanks be to God!
The fund balances at the year end were as follows:
| Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total |
2024 2023 £ £ 1,239,512 1,165,539 801,448 726,949 |
|---|---|
| 2,040,960 1,892,488 |
Going Concern
The Trustee's are satisfied that the Charity is a going concern and do not know of any uncertainties regarding the organisation's ability to continue operating as a going concern.
Reserves Policy
The Church held £1,239,512 in unrestricted funds at the end of December 2024. This figure included the general unrestricted, asset specific and designated funds. It is the council’s intention to hold unrestricted reserves of between 3 and 6 months of operating costs. Where unrestricted funds are held over this amount, the PCC will review the financial position of the charity and evaluate where surplus funds are best spent and invested.
Objectives and Activities
Promoting the whole mission of the church, regular public worship is open to all. Pastoral work, including visiting the sick and bereaved. Teaching the Christian faith through sermons, courses, and small groups for adults, young people and children. Taking of religious assemblies in local schools and provision of other youth and children’s activities. Supporting the community particularly at times such as Remembrance Day and the life of the civil parish through the Civic Service. Supporting, prayerfully and financially, mission partners within the UK and overseas.
Achievement and Performance
The PCC of the ecclesiastical parish of St George with St Martin, Poynton, has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the St George’s and St Martin’s campuses and associated properties.
In 2024 we said ‘Goodbye’ to our full-time stipendiary Curate, Jennie Prince, who moved to take up the role of Vicar of St Michael’s Church, Chester.
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Trustees' Annual Report
The vision statement of the church is:
“Becoming a growing all-age community of faith, hope and love.”
Under the three strands of the vision, clergy, staff, the PCC and many volunteers have contributed to a busy year.
Faith
As well as regular preaching and teaching throughout the year, The Romans Course (Bible Society) was held in the first ten weeks of the year. Over 100 people took part in discovering the themes and details of the book, and were challenged to grow in confidence in the gospel.
In talks and home group studies we spent time considering the strands of our vision statement in the weeks preceding the annual meeting, and began a series working through the teaching of Luke’s gospel (to be completed in 2025). We enjoyed hearing from Phil Knox (Evangelical Alliance) who came to speak on the theme of ‘Friendship’ in June, and we hosted an afternoon session on ‘A Christian Approach to End of Life Care’ in October.
In the autumn term we held our first ‘Prayer Central’ event, a new style of prayer meeting gathering people together from across the congregations to pray for some of our mission partners, the work of the church and issues in the wider world. Attendance at this evening was significantly higher than previous regular ‘prayer meetings’, and we plan to hold a number of these events throughout 2025, including at least one suitable for all ages.
Hope
Throughout a normal week there are moments when our wider local community are welcomed to church events and groups – these can, in appropriate ways, include opportunities for space to think about Christian faith.
We were able to host the Christmas Story Trail towards the end of the year and hundreds of primaryaged children were told the true meaning and significance of the story of the first Christmas. We also saw increased numbers attending at many of our special Christmas services, including seeing over 1000 across three ‘Family Carols’ services on Christmas Eve afternoon.
Our intention is to run an introduction to Christianity course in early 2025.
Love
There are continued opportunities to care for those in need, both within the congregation and in the wider community. The Pastoral Visiting Team have been able to visit many of those who are now unable to attend services in person – at home and in local care homes.
The parish has supported local and international charities in the year: particularly local charities working with education and homelessness and international charities involved in supporting churches and communities, with a growing connection with partners in Argentina, West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We were pleased to welcome a team from our link church in Salta, Argentina for a visit to Poynton in January.
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Trustees' Annual Report
Future Plans
Our future plans are guided by our concern to be a growing church of all ages, developing in faith, hope and love. 2025 sees opportunities in each of these areas, including an enquirers course, offering specific events for discipleship (such as ‘Being Human’ during Lent), and showing our care for the local community by the ongoing work of our bereavement team and connecting with projects that help with practical need.
Following the introduction of Prayer Central events in 2024, we expect to see greater engagement with our international mission partners, which is prayerfully informed and collaborative. We also plan on developing our sung worship, learning new songs and skills, as well as hosting musicians from Resound Worship in March 2025.
We continue to work on plans to improve the facilities at St George's church, with the construction of toilets and a small servery to enable greater hospitality and welcome.
Approved by the Trustees Peter John Walker Name of Trustee: Signed on Behalf of the Trustees: pti le (ae Date of Approval: 17/05/2025
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Independent Examiners Report
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of St George's Church Poynton ('the charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024.
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 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (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 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 accounts to be reached.
Nigel Wyatt BSC FCA Independent Examiner 125 Main Street Garforth Leeds LS25 1AF
Date: 19/05/2025
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Statement of Financial Activities
| Statement of Financial Activities | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| Funds | Funds | Funds | Funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 244,172 | 8,998 | 253,170 | 245,700 | |
| Charitable activities | 49,493 | - | 49,493 | 52,334 | |
| Activities for generating income | 50,859 | 2,487 | 53,346 | 47,442 | |
| Investment Income | 8,466 | 56 | 8,522 | 5,835 | |
| Other | 1,527 | 100 | 1,627 | 1,014 | |
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| Total Income | 2 | 354,517 | 11,641 | 366,158 | 352,325 |
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| Expenditure | |||||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 3 | 281,985 | 5,284 | 287,269 | 326,693 |
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| Total Expenditure | 281,985 | 5,284 | 287,269 | 326,693 | |
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||
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||
| Net Income / (Expenditure) Before Gains/ Loses) |
72,532 | 6,357 | 78,889 | 25,632 | |
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||
| Gain/(loss) on investment Portfolio |
8 | - | 69,583 | 69,583 | 45,318 |
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||
| Net Income / (Expenditure) | 72,532 | 75,940 | 148,472 | 70,950 | |
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||
| Net Income and Net Movement in Funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 13 | 1,165,539 | 726,949 | 1,892,488 | 1,821,538 |
| Transfers | 13 | 1,441 | (1,441) | - | - |
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| Total Funds Carried Forward | 13 | 1,239,512 | 801,448 | 2,040,960 | 1,892,488 |
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All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
9
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Statement of Financial Position
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | |||
| Investments | 8 | 771,128 | 701,545 |
| Tangible fixed assets | 9 | 1,027,812 | 1,033,302 |
| ────────── | ────────── | ||
| 1,798,940 | 1,734,847 | ||
| Current Assets | |||
| Debtors | 10 | 48,561 | 20,444 |
| Cash at the bank and in hand | 207,074 | 174,256 | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ||
| 255,635 | 194,700 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 11 | 13,615 | 37,059 |
| ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Net Current Assets | 242,020 | 157,641 | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Total Assets Less Current Liabilities | 2,040,960 | 1,892,488 | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Net Assets | 14 | 2,040,960 | 1,892,488 |
| ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Funds of the Charity | |||
| Restricted funds | 13 | 801,448 | 726,949 |
| Unrestricted funds | 13 | ||
| Unrestricted general | 106,639 | 32,071 | |
| Designated funds | 112,373 | 112,968 | |
| Property reserve | 1,020,500 | 1,020,500 | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ||
| 1,239,512 | 1,165,539 | ||
| ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Total Charity Funds | 2,040,960 | 1,892,488 | |
| ────────── | ────────── |
Directors Responsibilities
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue :
Peter John Walker
Name of Trustee: Signed on Behalf of the Trustees: Date of Approval:
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17/05/2025
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10
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP 2019 FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Assessment of Going Concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted income funds comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the trustees, at their discretion, have set aside resources for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or the term of specific appeal, often known as a ‘special offering’ in the church.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is probable that the resources will be received, and the monetary value of incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability.
• All voluntary income from members of the church are recognised as donations and are included in full, with associated Gift Aid receivable in the Statement of Financial Activities.
• Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of specific performance by the charity are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
• Income resources from charitable trading activities such as the letting of the building are accounted for when invoices are drawn up (as the point of entitlement).
• Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified.
• Gifts in Kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised.
• Volunteer time, the value of voluntary support for the work of the church is not included in the accounts but is described in the Trustees Annual Report.
• Investment Income is included in the accounts when receivable.
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
Resources Expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Governance Costs
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees' meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Liability Recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Tangible Fixed Assets
All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised and at historic cost. Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged on furniture and equipment which is written off on a straight-line basis over time estimated useful life of the asset.
Equipment 4 years straight-line Fixtures and Fittings 4 years straight-line
Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
Operating Leases
Rental charges payable under operating leases are charged on a straight line basis over the terms of the lease.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Areas of Judgement
In the view of the trustees in applying the accounting policies adopted, no judgements were required that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial year.
Basic Financial Instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
| **2 ** | Analysis of Income | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds |
||
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations and Legacies | ||||
| Donations | 154,610 | 7,877 | 162,487 | |
| Gift aid | 31,538 | 1,121 | 32,659 | |
| Donated goods and services | - | - | - | |
| Legacies | 58,024 | - | 58,024 | |
| Grants | - | - | - | |
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| 244,172 | 8,998 | 253,170 | ||
| Charitable Activities | ||||
| Funeral Fees | 8,619 | - | 8,619 | |
| Graveyard Fees | 7,363 | - | 7,363 | |
| Wedding Fees | 3,241 | - | 3,241 | |
| Other Activities | 22,002 | - | 22,002 | |
| Parish Weekend Away | 8,268 | - | 8,268 | |
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| 49,493 | - | 49,493 | ||
| Activities for Generating Income | ||||
| Lettings and room hire | 50,859 | - | 50,859 | |
| Events income | - | 2,487 | 2,487 | |
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| 50,859 | 2,487 | 53,346 | ||
| Investment Income | ||||
| Interest | 8,466 | 56 | 8,522 | |
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| 8,466 | 56 | 8,522 | ||
| Other | ||||
| Sales and commission | - | - | - | |
| Refreshments and other ad hoc income | 77 | 100 | 177 | |
| Insurance Claims & Compensation Received | 1,450 | - | 1,450 | |
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| 1,527 | 100 | 1,627 | ||
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| Total Income | 354,517 | 11,641 | 366,158 | |
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
| Analysis of Income (Continued) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations and Legacies | |||
| Donations | 140,505 | 8,223 | 148,728 |
| Gift aid | 32,907 | 934 | 33,841 |
| Donated goods and services | - | - | - |
| Legacies | 56,933 | - | 56,933 |
| Grants | 6,198 | - | 6,198 |
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|
| 236,543 | 9,157 | 245,700 | |
| Charitable Activities | |||
| Funeral fees | 9,405 | - | 9,405 |
| Graveyard fees | 8,070 | - | 8,070 |
| Wedding fees | 3,328 | - | 3,328 |
| Other activities | 24,730 | - | 24,730 |
| Parish weekend away | 6,801 | - | 6,801 |
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|
| 52,334 | - | 52,334 | |
| Activities for Generating Income | |||
| Lettings and room hire | 47,442 | - | 47,442 |
| Events income | - | - | - |
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|
| 47,442 | - | 47,442 | |
| Investment Income | |||
| Interest | 5,746 | 89 | 5,835 |
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|
| 5,746 | 89 | 5,835 | |
| Other | |||
| Sales and Commission | 772 | - | 772 |
| Refreshments and other ad hoc income | - | 242 | 242 |
| Insurance Claim | - | - | - |
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|
| 772 | 242 | 1,014 | |
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|
| Total Income | 342,837 | 9,488 | 352,325 |
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
3 Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Building renovation works and equipment | 4,989 | - | 4,989 |
| Church gifts and giving | 19,439 | 2,282 | 21,721 |
| Depreciation | 7,242 | - | 7,242 |
| Diocesan fees | 8,321 | - | 8,321 |
| Event costs | - | 2,057 | 2,057 |
| Fees and subscriptions | 1,069 | - | 1,069 |
| Ministry expenditure | 27,837 | 905 | 28,742 |
| Office and support costs | 13,429 | - | 13,429 |
| Other activities | 4,919 | 40 | 4,959 |
| Parish share | 82,520 | - | 82,520 |
| Property utilities, running costs and repairs | 42,332 | - | 42,332 |
| Staff and other expenses | 10,073 | - | 10,073 |
| Staff salaries | 59,815 | - | 59,815 |
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|
| 281,985 | 5,284 | 287,269 | |
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|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds |
|
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Building renovation works and equipment | 35,031 | 7,827 | 42,858 |
| Church gifts and giving | 20,832 | 2,579 | 23,411 |
| Depreciation | 7,774 | - | 7,774 |
| Diocesan fees | 9,355 | - | 9,355 |
| Event costs | - | - | - |
| Fees and subscriptions | 1,169 | - | 1,169 |
| Ministry expenditure | 33,721 | 1,813 | 35,534 |
| Office and support costs | 14,316 | - | 14,316 |
| Other activities | - | - | - |
| Parish share | 78,591 | - | 78,591 |
| Property utilities, running costs and repairs | 41,569 | - | 41,569 |
| Staff and other expenses | 12,093 | - | 12,093 |
| Staff salaries | 60,023 | - | 60,023 |
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|
| 314,474 | 12,219 | 326,693 | |
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Parish Share
St George's Church Poynton is a parish church of the Church of England in the Diocese of Chester. By means of Parish Share the Diocese helps with the funding of ministers, particularly parochial clergy, the work of various Diocesan bodies and the work of the Church of England as a whole. The Diocese is a community resourcing a common task, and not a charity trying to raise funds to meet a need. In 2024, the amount paid by the PCC under the parish share was £82,520 (2023: £78,591).
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St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
4 Volunteers
The church benefits greatly from the voluntary contributions of time and money by its formal members and regular attendees. Please refer to the trustee's report for further details about volunteer contributions in the organisation.
5 Independent examination fees
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
| Independent examination fees Fees payable to the independent examiner for: |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Independent examination and preparation of the financial statements |
1,699 | 1,633 |
6 Staff costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 57,638 | 58,274 |
| Social security costs | - | - |
| Employer contributions to pension plans | 2,177 | 1,750 |
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| 59,815 | 60,023 | |
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The average head count of employees during the year was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Headcount | 4 | 5 |
The number of employees that received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| More than £60,000 | 0 | 0 |
Key Management Personnel
The charity considers its key management personnel to be the Vicar, Curate, Associate Minister and Churchwardens . The Common Fund of the Chester Diocese meets the stipend and other employment costs of the Vicar and (Stipendiary) Curate.
16
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
7 Trustee Remuneration, Expenses and Donations
During the year 9 (2023:13) trustees incurred out-of-pocket expenses totalling £13,339 (2023: £11,058) which were all incurred for the day-to-day running of the charity's activities. The types of expenditure include travel costs, ministry costs, equipment and other charitable activity expenditures.
During the year the total aggregated donations made to the charity by the trustees during the year was £40,736 (2023: £38,982).
During the year one trustee, Brian Clarke was employed by the Church outside of their roles as trustees/PCC members. The total remuneration received, including pension contributions was £16,455
8 Investments Held as Fixed Assets
Investment Portfolio
The restricted fund's investment portfolio is held with Brewin Dolphin. The fund is held for ecclesiastical purposes within the parish.
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Investment portfolio valuation | 771,128 | 701,545 |
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|
| 771,128 | 701,545 | |
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|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Market value brought forward | 701,545 | 656,227 |
| Sales | - | - |
| Unrealised gain / (loss) | 69,583 | 45,318 |
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| Market value carried forward | 771,128 | 701,545 |
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17
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
9 Tangible Fixed Assets
| Tangible Fixed Assets | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Freehold | Equipment & | ||
| Land and | Fixtures and | ||
| Buildings | Fittings | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost as at 1st January 2024 | 1,020,500 | 31,097 | 1,051,597 |
| Additions | - | 1,752 | 1,752 |
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|
| Cost as at 31st December 2024 | 1,020,500 | 32,849 | 1,053,349 |
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|
| Depreciation as at 1st January 2024 | - | 18,296 | 18,296 |
| Depreciation Charge | - | 7,241 | 7,241 |
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|
| Depreciation as at 31st December 2024 | - | 25,537 | 25,537 |
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|
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|
| Net Book Value as at 31st December 2024 | 1,020,500 | 7,312 | 1,027,812 |
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|
| Net Book Value as at 31st December 2023 | 1,020,500 | 12,801 | 1,033,301 |
The land and buildings held by the church compromise of: St George's Church Hall St Martin's Church, Church Hall and Field 18 Ivy Road 92 Barnaby Road
These buildings and land are held at the original cost, but not depreciated as their useful life can not be measured.
10 Debtors
| Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Trade Debtors | 8,306 | 3,999 |
| Accrued Income | 38,999 | 14,237 |
| Prepayments | 1,256 | 2,208 |
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|
| 48,561 | 20,444 | |
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18
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
| **11 ** | Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Accruals | 5,808 | 1,633 | |
| Trade Creditors | 6,807 | 13,328 | |
| Deferred Income | 1,000 | 22,098 | |
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||
| 13,615 | 37,059 | ||
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||
| **12 ** | Deferred Income | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Balance at the beginning of the reporting period | 22,098 | 2,318 | |
| Amount released to income | 21,598 | 2,118 | |
| Amount deferred in year | 500 | 21,898 | |
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||
| Balance at the end of the reporting period | 1,000 | 22,098 | |
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19
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
13 Analysis of Charitable Funds
Unrestricted Funds
| Unrestricted Funds | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2024 | Income | Expenditure | Gains/Loses | Transfers | 31 Dec 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| General | 32,071 | 304,429 | (244,813) | - | 14,952 | 106,639 |
| Life events | - | 26,751 | (13,240) | - | (13,511) | - |
| Property reserve | 1,020,500 | - | - | - | - | 1,020,500 |
| Designated | ||||||
| Living well | 2,018 | 595 | (695) | - | - | 1,918 |
| Parish weekend | - | 8,268 | (8,268) | - | - | - |
| Projects and events | ||||||
| (ministry) | 1,894 | 14,474 | (14,969) | - | - | 1,399 |
| St Martin's all-purpose | 5,096 | - | - | - | - | 5,096 |
| Thanksgiving fund | 103,960 | - | - | - | - | 103,960 |
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|
| Total Unrestricted | 1,165,539 | 354,517 | (281,985) | - | 1,441 | 1,239,512 |
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|
| Restricted Funds | ||||||
| Argentina fund | 1,926 | - | (528) | - | - | 1,398 |
| Book of homilies | 605 | - | - | - | - | 605 |
| Church florists | - | 100 | (195) | - | 300 | 205 |
| Church hall fund | 10,817 | 807 | - | - | - | 11,624 |
| Development fund | 2,105 | 2,571 | - | - | - | 4,676 |
| Friends of St George's | 9,910 | 4,140 | (2,239) | - | - | 11,811 |
| Gifts | - | 4,023 | (2,282) | - | (1,741) | - |
| Men's events | 40 | - | (40) | - | - | - |
| Special reserve | 701,546 | - | - | 69,583 | - | 771,129 |
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|
| Total | 726,949 | 11,641 | (5,284) | 69,583 | (1,441) | 801,448 |
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|
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|
| Total Funds | 1,892,488 | 366,158 | (287,269) | 69,583 | - | 2,040,960 |
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Fund Transfers 2024
Gifts
A restricted gift was given to buy chairs for the church, the transfer of £1,741 relates to the transfer of the chairs held as an asset, the asset was transferred to the general fund when capitalised for the purpose of depreciation.
20
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
Analysis of Charitable Funds Cont.
| Analysis of Charitable | Funds Cont. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2023 | Income | Expenditure | Gains/Loses | Transfers | 31 Dec 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| General | 14 | 290,146 | (275,128) | - | 17,039 | 32,071 |
| Life events | - | 28,010 | (13,943) | - | (14,067) | - |
| Property reserve | 1,020,500 | - | - | - | - | 1,020,500 |
| Designated | ||||||
| Living well | 2,255 | 357 | (594) | - | - | 2,018 |
| Parish weekend | 433 | 6,801 | (7,234) | - | - | - |
| Projects and events | ||||||
| (ministry) | 1,946 | 17,523 | (17,575) | - | - | 1,894 |
| St Martin's all-purpose | 5,096 | - | - | - | - | 5,096 |
| Thanksgiving fund | 103,960 | - | - | - | - | 103,960 |
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|
| Total Unrestricted | 1,134,204 | 342,837 | (314,474) | - | 2,972 | 1,165,539 |
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|
| Restricted Funds | ||||||
| Argentina fund | 1,926 | - | - | - | - | 1,926 |
| Book of homilies | 605 | - | - | - | - | 605 |
| Church florists | - | 242 | (264) | - | 22 | - |
| Church hall fund | 9,913 | 904 | - | - | - | 10,817 |
| Development fund | 7,198 | 2,734 | (7,827) | - | - | 2,105 |
| Friends of St George's | 11,374 | 3,079 | (1,549) | - | (2,994) | 9,910 |
| Gifts | 50 | 2,529 | (2,579) | - | - | - |
| Men's events | 40 | - | - | - | - | 40 |
| Special reserve | 656,228 | - | - | 45,318 | - | 701,546 |
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|
| Total | 687,334 | 9,488 | (12,219) | 45,318 | (2,972) | 726,949 |
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|
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|
| Total Funds | 1,821,538 | 352,325 | (326,693) | 45,318 | - | 1,892,488 |
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Fund Transfers 2023
Friends of St George's Friends of St George's purchased a new choir frontal & tables, within the restrictions of the fund, the asset was transferred to the general fund when capitalised for the purpose of depreciation.
21
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
Fund Descriptions
Unrestricted Funds
Property Reserve Life events
A fund to hold organisations Land and Buildings. This fund is for administrative purposes, tracking the income and expenditure of life events that are held under the general fund
Designated Funds
Thanksgiving fund
Projects and events (ministry) Living Well St Martin's all-purpose
Parish weekend
A fund set aside for reserves to be used by the PCC as and when required. Funds held for the church projects and events Dementia Support Group To be used for the benefit of St Martin's Church at the direction of the PCC
To be used for special purposes for the Parish Weekend as directed by the PCC
Restricted Funds
Argentina Fund Book of homilies Church florists Church hall fund Development fund
Friends of St George's
To support team visits to and from Argentina and the churches For the preservation and display of the Book of Homilies For the provision of flowers in St George's Church For the renewal or upgrading of St George's Church Hall facilities An ongoing appeal for improvements/alterations to PCC properties and installations
Funds to be used at the direction of the PCC for improvements to church properties and related fixtures (after the cost of fundraising events)
Special reserve
For ecclesiastical purposes within the parish
22
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
14 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | 1,027,812 | 771,128 | 1,798,940 |
| Current Assets | 225,316 | 30,319 | 255,635 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (13,615) | - | (13,615) |
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|
| 1,239,513 | 801,447 | 2,040,960 | |
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|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds |
|
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | 1,033,302 | 701,545 | 1,734,847 |
| Current Assets | 169,297 | 25,403 | 194,700 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (37,059) | - | (37,059) |
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|
| 1,165,540 | 726,948 | 1,892,488 | |
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15 Consecrated land and buildings and other church property
The PCC has the use of the church property which is excluded from the accounts by virtue of s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011. Movable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are capitalised where appropriate and allocated to the appropriate fixed asset category. The church halls and Vicarage are held in trust by the Chester Diocesan Fund on behalf of the PCC. These properties are essential for the mission of the church and have been in use for many years. Accordingly, they have not been capitalised as there is insufficient cost information and their depreciated cost is unlikely to be material. All expenditure on consecrated or benefice buildings is written off in the year of expenditure.
23
St George's Church Poynton
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
16 Related party transactions
During the year a donation of £2,511 (2023: £1,500) was made to the charity Just Ice Poynton (Reg charity no 1191728), to further the work the charity was doing within the area to help people whom have been rescued from slavery. This is a related party transaction due to Rev Christine Buckley serving as a trustee on both St George's Church Poynton and Just Ice Poynton.
During the year a donation of £1,000 (2023: £1,500) was made to the charity Christians in Schools Trust (Reg charity no 1019848). This is a related party transaction due to Gillian Golding serving as a trustee on both St George's Church Poynton and Christians in Schools Trust.
During the year a donation of £1,090 was made to the charity Message Trust (Reg charity no 1081467). This is a related party transaction due to Les Hutchinson serving as a trustee on St George's Church Poynton and holding employment with the Message Trust.
During the year a payment £226 was made to John Buckley a close family member of Christine Buckley, who is a member of the PCC. John is a retired vicar and these were payments for his time taking two funerals.
24