All Saints, Queens Park, Bedford Treasurer’s Report for 2024 APCM
On Year Ended 31 December 2023
During the latter part of 2023 the treasurer role was transferred to Joanna Jameson, and her accountancy firm, to reduce the pressure on volunteers and improve the ongoing financial information to the PCC. The handover process is now mostly complete, pending final mandate confirmations from some of the banks. An exercise has also been completed to identify the amounts owed to the Diocese on funeral and wedding fees over the past 3 years, which had not been calculated or paid. The amount of over £3,600 is shown in restricted funds and was paid over to the Diocese after the year end.
In total, income in the year to 31 December 2023 was higher than in 2022, at almost £70,000 compared to around £58,000. However, it should be noted that the increase is principally due to a catch up on items that were not fully received in previous years – particularly Faith in Queens Park fees of £7,000 which included the whole of 2022 fees as well as most of 2023. In addition, there has been a concerted effort to catch up with gift aid claims, resulting in £5,700 received in 2023 compared to £1,600 in 2022. Being more up to date in these areas now means that these high income levels will not be repeated next year. Hiring fees for the Community Centre and Parish Room have also increased significantly in the year to £13,300 from £7,600.
Unfortunately, voluntary giving in the year (excluding the gift aid catch up) has fallen compared to 2022. Regular giving through the parish giving scheme and by standing order has dropped from almost £32,000 in 2022 to only £28,000 in 2023, and collections at services have also dropped from £7,800 to £4,700. A few one-off donations have helped to recover part of the drop, but the outlook on regular giving is concerning.
This is a particular worry, due to the ever-increasing costs faced by the church, especially as total utilities costs have increased from £6,000 to £15,000 year on year. To address this, we have recently changed suppliers to ensure more favourable prices, and have also recovered overpayments made in the past. Despite undertaking this in-depth review to keep future costs down, prices are still increasing and utilities will remain a significant cost, well above levels seen in previous years.
Major maintenance costs in the year – principally on the roof repairs and boiler issues – have been much higher than last year at over £11,000, and we also bought a new photocopier in the year, which accounted for £2,400 of the postage and stationery costs.
Overall, since last year end, free funds have dropped by over £3,000, and restricted funds have reduced by almost £10,000, meaning we now have almost £13,000 less than last year in total funds.
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS. BEDFORD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS BEDFORD INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS BEDFORD This report on the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of All Saints for the year ended 31 December 2023. which are set out on pages 2 to 4 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 20[ I'lhe Regulations'l and s.145 of the Charities Act 2011 I'lhe Act'l. Respective responsibilities of Parochial Church Council and the exarniner As members of the Parochial Church Council you are responsible for the prepaolion of the accounts,. you consider that the 8udil requirement of the Regulations and s. 144121 of the Act does not apply. 11 Is my responsibility lo Issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. 8asi5 of Independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under s 1451511bl of the Act and lo be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination Includes a review ol the accounting records kept by the Parochial Church Council and a comparison ol the accounts with those records. 118lso includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any sijch matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come lo my attention.. which gives me reasonable cause lo believe that in any material respect the requirements". lo keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act," and bl lo prepare accounts which accord the accounts'ng records and to comply with the reqLJirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been mel". or lo which, in my opinion, attentJOn should be drawn in order to enable a proper understsndin9 of the accounts to be reached Stephen Simpson Longslaff. Gentle & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants 61, Harpur Street Bedford MK40 2SR 6 April 2024 Page 1
THE PAROCHIAL CH R¢H COUNCIL OF THE ECCLE CAL PARISH SAIIITS 8EDF RD TATEMENT OF F114ANCIAL ACTIVITIES F R THE YEAR ENDEO 31 DECEM8ER 2023 Gertral Designated RE8lriGted Funds Fund5 Furwjs 2023 2022 T¥1 Rècoi Voluntary Giving Regular Giving Collection5 al se15 oiner Giviny i Donations Gift Aid Recovpred 28031 08 4669 94 5973 27 5665.19 44359 48 28031.08 4669 94 5973 27 568519 44359.48 31868 81 7768 79 438 68 1576 22 41650 50 Events & Activities P3nsh Room I Community Cenire Lettsngs Fees (including Weddings and Funeral Faiih Tours l Faith In Queens Park Fundraising Even15 and Activit$ Grants Reied Hire ol Church 13349.15 1586.00 704S 00 1752.75 350.00 205.00 13349 15 2573.00 7045.00 1752.75 350 00 205.00 7621 00 4424 50 987.LKJ 2660 75 127941 390 00 Olhcr lTrlere51 on Accounls 313.82 313.82 24.34 Total Receipts 68961 20 987.cj 69948.20 58050.50 Pa tnents Rolating to Ylork of Ihe Church iocosall Ouola DBF Assigned Fees Clergy Expenses Music and ChoiT Cosi of Nomial Services Cosi ol Fxir? Services lind Weddings & FLmeraL%l 28780.92 28780.92 0.00 1150.44 6138.28 61991 1058 10 5790 5.99 362.78 21004.10 D.00 D.00 5919.17 391.53 831.49 42.95 0.00 1150.44 613828 619.91 1058.10 57.90 Outreach & Markeiing FunurBi$ing F.voni Costs 363.78 38175.32 000 38175.32 28189.24 CharilablF Giving Donations and Co1Cljr 0.00 435.7S RuDning Cv¥tS He81 i Light I Water Insurance Grountts Maintenance l GaTdeniny Geneial Repairs arNI Maintenan Major Repair5 15138.49 4580.84 832 46 3959.78 15138.49 4580 84 832 46 4608 33 11386.92 36547.04 6339.79 3952.30 867.58 2550.89 918.00 14629.06 S48 55 1138692 12035.47 24511.57 Audit. Accoun15. Le9al & Professvjnal P¢sla9e. Slalionery & Secretarial. elG Subscnptson5 1 Affiliation Fees Parish Room I Community Centre Cos15 8ank Charges Sundries 906.40 3072 52 75.00 3741 94 96.93 289 95 8162 74 906 40 3072 52 7500 3741 94 9693 289 95 818274 250.00 658 38 5000 1178.21 499 49 2636 08 0.00 Tota5 Payments 70869.63 12035.47 82905 10 45890.13 et Rocelpts for the Yfar bofor• Translor 119)8.431 o.(h) 111048.471 112956.901 121$037 Transf¢r$ 11210 (X)) 1210.00 0.00 000 Not Recoipts for the Ygar (3118.431 19838.471 {12956 901 12160.37 Fund5 Brought Forward a5 at 1 January 2023 18702.04 16045. 19522.99 54270.03 42109.66 Fund5 Carried ForwHr¢J as at 31 Decembpr 2023 15583.61 16045.(M) 9684.52 41313.t3 54270 03 Page 2
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS BEDFORD BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Current Assets Bank Accounts Lloyds Current Account HSBC Current Account HSBC Deposit Account C8F Deposit Fund NS & I Savings Ac¢ounl 4539 05 20682.03 47.05 8200 00 7845.00 000 38178.16 46.87 8200.00 7845.00 41313 73 54270.03 Cash in Hand 0.00 0.00 Total Net Assets 4131313 54270 03 Funds General Fund De51gnaled Funds Reslricled Funds 15583.61 16045 00 9684.52 18702.04 16045.00 19522 99 Total Funds 41313 13 54270 03 The accounts were approved by the PCC on 6 April 2024. The accounts were approved by the meeting'.- Roy Lambert (Church Warden) Pam Greenaway (Church Warden) Page 3
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIA TICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS 8EDFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 1.1 Accountin Convention The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church A¢Gounling Regu5ations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities Slatemenl of Recommended Practice. These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. 1.2 Funds The general fund represen15 the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restriciions regarding their use and are available lor application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designaled for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. 1.3 Income and Ex enditure All income and expenditure 15 accounted for as received or as expended. All expenditure incurred in the past or during the year on the church and the movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement. Is written off as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities. 2 Restricted Funds Balance asat 1.1.23 Balance asal 31.12.23 Income Expenditure Transfers Fabric Fund (Generall Christmas Flower Fund (Ramsey) DBF Assigned Fees 17683 99 6000 350.00 1429.00 112035.471 5648.52 60.00 350 00 3626.00 987.00 1210.00 19522 99 987.00 112035.471 121000 9684.52 A 51gnificanl project lo repair the Parish Room Roof was undertaken in the year, and is now complete. Desi nated Fund5 Balance asat 1.1.23 B8lance asat 31.12.23 Incorne Expenditure Transfer5 Fabric Fund IGenerall Charitable Giving 16045 00 0.00 16045 00 0.00 16045 00 0.00 0.00 0.00 16045.00 The PCC have choesen to maintain £1604512022." £160451 held in the National Savings & Investments account and In the CBF Deposit Fund, as a designated fund in reserve for any significant fabric costs arising, Including those expecled as a result of the quinquennial Inspection, which took place in 2023. Page 4
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS. BEDFORD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS BEDFORD INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS BEDFORD This report on the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of All Saints for the year ended 31 December 2023. which are set out on pages 2 to 4 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 20[ I'lhe Regulations'l and s.145 of the Charities Act 2011 I'lhe Act'l. Respective responsibilities of Parochial Church Council and the exarniner As members of the Parochial Church Council you are responsible for the prepaolion of the accounts,. you consider that the 8udil requirement of the Regulations and s. 144121 of the Act does not apply. 11 Is my responsibility lo Issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. 8asi5 of Independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under s 1451511bl of the Act and lo be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination Includes a review ol the accounting records kept by the Parochial Church Council and a comparison ol the accounts with those records. 118lso includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any sijch matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come lo my attention.. which gives me reasonable cause lo believe that in any material respect the requirements". lo keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act," and bl lo prepare accounts which accord the accounts'ng records and to comply with the reqLJirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been mel". or lo which, in my opinion, attentJOn should be drawn in order to enable a proper understsndin9 of the accounts to be reached Stephen Simpson Longslaff. Gentle & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants 61, Harpur Street Bedford MK40 2SR 6 April 2024 Page 1
THE PAROCHIAL CH R¢H COUNCIL OF THE ECCLE CAL PARISH SAIIITS 8EDF RD TATEMENT OF F114ANCIAL ACTIVITIES F R THE YEAR ENDEO 31 DECEM8ER 2023 Gertral Designated RE8lriGted Funds Fund5 Furwjs 2023 2022 T¥1 Rècoi Voluntary Giving Regular Giving Collection5 al se15 oiner Giviny i Donations Gift Aid Recovpred 28031 08 4669 94 5973 27 5665.19 44359 48 28031.08 4669 94 5973 27 568519 44359.48 31868 81 7768 79 438 68 1576 22 41650 50 Events & Activities P3nsh Room I Community Cenire Lettsngs Fees (including Weddings and Funeral Faiih Tours l Faith In Queens Park Fundraising Even15 and Activit$ Grants Reied Hire ol Church 13349.15 1586.00 704S 00 1752.75 350.00 205.00 13349 15 2573.00 7045.00 1752.75 350 00 205.00 7621 00 4424 50 987.LKJ 2660 75 127941 390 00 Olhcr lTrlere51 on Accounls 313.82 313.82 24.34 Total Receipts 68961 20 987.cj 69948.20 58050.50 Pa tnents Rolating to Ylork of Ihe Church iocosall Ouola DBF Assigned Fees Clergy Expenses Music and ChoiT Cosi of Nomial Services Cosi ol Fxir? Services lind Weddings & FLmeraL%l 28780.92 28780.92 0.00 1150.44 6138.28 61991 1058 10 5790 5.99 362.78 21004.10 D.00 D.00 5919.17 391.53 831.49 42.95 0.00 1150.44 613828 619.91 1058.10 57.90 Outreach & Markeiing FunurBi$ing F.voni Costs 363.78 38175.32 000 38175.32 28189.24 CharilablF Giving Donations and Co1Cljr 0.00 435.7S RuDning Cv¥tS He81 i Light I Water Insurance Grountts Maintenance l GaTdeniny Geneial Repairs arNI Maintenan Major Repair5 15138.49 4580.84 832 46 3959.78 15138.49 4580 84 832 46 4608 33 11386.92 36547.04 6339.79 3952.30 867.58 2550.89 918.00 14629.06 S48 55 1138692 12035.47 24511.57 Audit. Accoun15. Le9al & Professvjnal P¢sla9e. Slalionery & Secretarial. elG Subscnptson5 1 Affiliation Fees Parish Room I Community Centre Cos15 8ank Charges Sundries 906.40 3072 52 75.00 3741 94 96.93 289 95 8162 74 906 40 3072 52 7500 3741 94 9693 289 95 818274 250.00 658 38 5000 1178.21 499 49 2636 08 0.00 Tota5 Payments 70869.63 12035.47 82905 10 45890.13 et Rocelpts for the Yfar bofor• Translor 119)8.431 o.(h) 111048.471 112956.901 121$037 Transf¢r$ 11210 (X)) 1210.00 0.00 000 Not Recoipts for the Ygar (3118.431 19838.471 {12956 901 12160.37 Fund5 Brought Forward a5 at 1 January 2023 18702.04 16045. 19522.99 54270.03 42109.66 Fund5 Carried ForwHr¢J as at 31 Decembpr 2023 15583.61 16045.(M) 9684.52 41313.t3 54270 03 Page 2
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS BEDFORD BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Current Assets Bank Accounts Lloyds Current Account HSBC Current Account HSBC Deposit Account C8F Deposit Fund NS & I Savings Ac¢ounl 4539 05 20682.03 47.05 8200 00 7845.00 000 38178.16 46.87 8200.00 7845.00 41313 73 54270.03 Cash in Hand 0.00 0.00 Total Net Assets 4131313 54270 03 Funds General Fund De51gnaled Funds Reslricled Funds 15583.61 16045 00 9684.52 18702.04 16045.00 19522 99 Total Funds 41313 13 54270 03 The accounts were approved by the PCC on 6 April 2024. The accounts were approved by the meeting'.- Roy Lambert (Church Warden) Pam Greenaway (Church Warden) Page 3
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIA TICAL PARISH OF ALL SAINTS 8EDFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 1.1 Accountin Convention The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church A¢Gounling Regu5ations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities Slatemenl of Recommended Practice. These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. 1.2 Funds The general fund represen15 the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restriciions regarding their use and are available lor application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designaled for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. 1.3 Income and Ex enditure All income and expenditure 15 accounted for as received or as expended. All expenditure incurred in the past or during the year on the church and the movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement. Is written off as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities. 2 Restricted Funds Balance asat 1.1.23 Balance asal 31.12.23 Income Expenditure Transfers Fabric Fund (Generall Christmas Flower Fund (Ramsey) DBF Assigned Fees 17683 99 6000 350.00 1429.00 112035.471 5648.52 60.00 350 00 3626.00 987.00 1210.00 19522 99 987.00 112035.471 121000 9684.52 A 51gnificanl project lo repair the Parish Room Roof was undertaken in the year, and is now complete. Desi nated Fund5 Balance asat 1.1.23 B8lance asat 31.12.23 Incorne Expenditure Transfer5 Fabric Fund IGenerall Charitable Giving 16045 00 0.00 16045 00 0.00 16045 00 0.00 0.00 0.00 16045.00 The PCC have choesen to maintain £1604512022." £160451 held in the National Savings & Investments account and In the CBF Deposit Fund, as a designated fund in reserve for any significant fabric costs arising, Including those expecled as a result of the quinquennial Inspection, which took place in 2023. Page 4