Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council
Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2024
Registered Charity Number: 1133887
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 1 to 2 |
| Statement of Council members responsibilities | 3 to 7 |
| Independent Examiner’s report to the Council members | 8 |
| Statement of financial activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11 to 25 |
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)
Legal and administrative information
| Rector and PCC Chairman | Rev’d Rod Paterson |
|---|---|
| Clergy Team | Rev’d James Faragher (from October 2024) |
| Rev’d Janice Hamilton | |
| Parish Wardens | Pauline Carter (to April 2024) |
| Kathryn Martin (from April 2024) | |
| Philip Southam (Lay vice chair) | |
| Deanery Synod | Wendy Binks |
| Patricia Bowen | |
| Josh Denley (PCC Secretary) | |
| Tom Wynn | |
| Treasurer | Mike Horne |
| PCC Members | Sue Denley (to April 2024) |
| Alan Ewins | |
| Paul Ewins | |
| Anne Foster | |
| Mike Horne | |
| Liz Joyce (to April 2024) | |
| Lloyd Kilford | |
| Kathryn Martin (to April 2024) | |
| Mick Potter | |
| Bridget Roberts (from April 2024) | |
| Jon Selby (from April 2024) | |
| Rhys Topping (to April 2024) | |
| Tom Wynn | |
| Pete West (from April 2024) |
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)
| Administrative office | Parish Office |
|---|---|
| The Oasis Centre | |
| Cassin Drive | |
| Cheltenham | |
| GL51 7SY | |
| Independent Examiners | Randall & Payne LLP |
| Chartered Accountants | |
| Chargrove House | |
| Shurdington | |
| Cheltenham | |
| GL51 4GA | |
| Bankers | Lloyds Bank plc |
| Lloyds Business Banking | |
| PO Box 1000 | |
| BX1 1LT | |
| CCLA Investment Management Ltd | |
| The CBF Church of England Funds | |
| 80 Cheapside | |
| London | |
| EC2V 6DZ | |
| Solicitors | Veale Wasbrough Vizards |
| Narrow Quay House | |
| Narrow Quay | |
| Bristol | |
| BS1 4QA |
Statement of Council members responsibilities
Structure, Governance, and Management
The method of appointment of Parochial Church Council (‘PCC’) members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Vision and Priorities
West Cheltenham PCC have the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Revd Rod Paterson, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the St Barnabas and St Mark’s church buildings and associated property.
The parish vision statement is ‘Communities and places buzzing with the extraordinary presence of Jesus’ . As we work towards this vision, in addition to the regular pattern of worship and ministry, our four current strategic priorities have ben reaffirmed by PCC as:
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Prayer : to normalise prayer in all that we do, so it is part of our character and what we are known for.
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Mission and Outreach : a) to encourage every member of our congregations to intentionally see themselves as a witness to the Good News of Jesus wherever they go. b) as a church to intentionally connect with the various communities we live and work amongst, and in these communities to engage in ‘pioneer ministry’.
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Developing St Aidan’s church land: Since the church building was demolished the land on which it stood has been empty and our witness to the community diminished. We are working on plans to develop this space into something beautiful; a garden and worship space in the midst of Hesters Way.
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Reordering St Mark’s church: We see St Mark’s as a strategic base for our witness to the relatively more affluent southern part of the parish. We have plans to reorder the church building so that our ministry to this community is not hindered by the building, but enabled by it.
Church Attendance
There were 201 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll at the 2024 APCM. The average weekly attendance at services across the parish, measured in October 2024, was 168 adults and children. There were 207 people at Easter Services (Easter Eve and Easter Day) and 338 at Christmas services (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Review of the Period Since Last Report
2024 was another busy and significant year for the PCC. From ensuring robust safeguarding procedures are in place to spearheading the recruitment and appointment of our new vicar (Rev. James Farragher) the PCC has remained active and diligent in its responsibilities.
A significant part of the year was spent discerning how our church buildings and land can best serve our worship and mission. The PCC reviewed the various stages of the proposed reordering of St Mark’s Church, culminating in the approval of the final plans. This enabled the submission of both planning and faculty applications.
The PCC continued to oversee and support the development of the St Aidan’s site, working in partnership with third-year Landscape Architecture students from the University of Gloucestershire. The students
progressed the design phase of the project, developing detailed planting schemes and preparing documentation for future tenders. Research into suitable prefabricated buildings to house kitchen, toilet, and storage facilities also continued.
Financial governance was a key focus, with the PCC approving a new Financial Operating Policy. This policy int rod uced a clearer structure for the spending of parish funds, the establishment of a finance committee, and a defined approval flow for different levels of expenditure.
Regular updates were received during PCC meetings from the safeguarding team, the pioneer minister, and the youth worker. These reports not only provided accountability but also created space to share encouraging stories across our churches.
The relationship with our church school, St Mark’s Church of England Junior School, has continued to be a vital part of parish life. Throughout the year, the PCC appointed and reappointed a number of foundation governors to ensure ongoing support and connection.
The PCC also took time to engage with national matters affecting the wider Church, including thoughtful discussion and reflection on the Makin Report and the Assisted Dying Bill.
Pioneer Ministry
The highlight of 2024 for the Pioneer Ministry was the West Cheltenham Community Passion Play, held on Good Friday. Over 150 people were involved—acting, singing, creating costumes and props, managing the stage, or stewarding. Fourteen churches were represented, and at least 30 participants came from the wider local community. Many reported how meaningful their involvement was to their faith journey. Around 450 people attended the performance and were deeply moved, despite a dramatic downpour of hail. On Easter Sunday, the final scene of the Passion Play was reprised at a ‘Celebration of the Resurrection’ on St Aidan’s land.
Throughout the year, the St Aidan’s site hosted several outdoor festival events, welcoming the wider community. These included a vibrant Pentecost Party, a St Aidan’s Day Celebration with Celtic-inspired prayer stations, and a Harvest Festival featuring a community meal. The year concluded with a Community Nativity and a service of Seven Lessons and Carols, complete with dramatized readings, a community choir, and a small orchestra—an atmospheric end to the season under the Christmas Eve sky.
In early 2024, following a community workday, a gardening group was launched on St Aidan’s land in partnership with ‘Cheltenham is Growing’. Meeting weekly until autumn, the group successfully grew and harvested a variety of crops, sharing surplus p rod uce with the local pantry.
In addition to events at St Aidan’s, the Community Pioneer Minister maintained active engagement with local groups and organisations. In particular, work with Springbank Primary Academy expanded to include ‘Experience Easter’, ‘Experience Christmas’, assemblies, and RE lessons. The Pioneer Minister also supported community initiatives, including the ‘Christmas on the Square’ event and led Community Carols in partnership with Springbank Community Group.
Youth Work
2024 was a year of growth and development for youth ministry within the parish. We strengthened our connection with All Saints Academy, launched a new youth Bible study, and hosted outreach events for young people in the community.
Our relationship with All Saints Academy has blossomed. A new podcast, Big Questions with Josh and Matt, was launched, exploring big questions facing young people today through a Christian lens. The podcast is p rod uced collaboratively by our youth worker and the school chaplain. Our youth worker also began attending a regular prayer meeting for parents and carers of All Saints students, providing encouragement
and pastoral support. In addition, both Josh and Janice were invited to support the school’s Year 7 retreat days.
A new youth Bible study group, 348, began meeting fortnightly for those in school years 8–11. The group has explored themes such as the overarching narrative of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
Toward the end of 2024, the parish hosted two outreach events for young people and families. In October, our annual Light Party welcomed trick-or-treaters into the church grounds for crafts, games, food, and fun. Then in December, a Youth Christmas Festival at St Barnabas brought together local young people for an evening of celebration, including Christmas dinner, activities, and even a snow machine.
We remain passionate about our youth vision: that every young person in our parish would come to know Jesus. Please continue to pray for the work as we seek to support and encourage them in their journey of faith.
Deanery Synod Report
Deanery synod met 4 times in 2024, including an additional meeting specifically to consider the future of parish share, which is an on-going topic of conversation throughout the year as the Diocese looks to re-map how it calculated in the future.
In 2024, synod fed in to the production of a Strategic Plan which the central team at College Green then assessed (each Deanery in the Diocese completed a plan), to identify common themes and proposals on how resources could be pooled, or better utilised (eg. Use of buildings, shared admin resources, ministerial support in rural areas). Deanery Synod also discussed our biggest challenges on mission as part of this. The final plan is ongoing, and remains a conversation with the College Green team in how it moves forwards into action.
Deanery Synod also took time to look over the Makin Report following the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and held a conversation around ensuring we have robust safeguarding measures.
St Mark’s Fabric Report
St Mark’s hall and church has seen another year of good use, both for, and to provide income for, the church’s ministry.
We have continued to maintain and keep our sites safe and water tight, which has involved expenditure on minor repairs and upgrades across the site, including electrics, plumbing and window repairs. There has been some damage and crumbling noted to the pillars and walls in the nave of the church, which has been assessed and deemed not dangerous, but quotes for the repair have been sought. The usual statutory certifications have all been completed to ensure our gas supply, electricity, heating and water are safe. The organ has been serviced and the bells and tower are maintained well by our team of ringers.
The reordering project continues to make good progress with both planning and faculty applications submitted in the second half of 2024, and tenders invited for the project. The PCC continues to be driving this priority action forwards.
The church quinquennial inspection took place in June 2024 and recommended various works, mostly minor and would be classed as ‘ongoing maintenance’. Much of the larger-scale works are covered under the
planned reordering (eg. Replace heating system). The nave rood tiling was deemed serviceable with no material change in the condition of the pitches since the last inspection.
St Barnabas Fabric Report
Both the halls and the main church building are used on a regular basis by both the parish and community. This brings in valuable income for the church but also the challenge of meeting increased utility bills.
In letting out our premises, it’s important to offer adequate, welcoming facilities and while the church building is very welcoming with new toilet and servery, the hall toilets are badly in need of some redecoration which we hope will take place during 2025.
The Church buildings remain largely in satisfactory condition apart from halls entrance area and guttering where there have been a number of leaks. Solutions to this are ongoing.
The Quinquennial is due in 2025 and this will give us a better idea of overall condition of church building.
Financial Review 2024
2024 was a year of encouraging growth, consolidation, cost pressure and excellent financial management. Regular giving through the Parish Scheme increased by 6% with a very small overall increase in giving. However, the amount of Gift Aid that could be reclaimed decreased, and this meant that the overall money received as a result of giving and donations was down by 0.4% – effectively flat. Historic coding practice makes this hard to analyse, but it suggests that more giving is now coming from those on lower incomes, and we are thankful f to everyone that gives so sacrificially to the ministry of the Parish.
The top-line income number looks significantly lower than last year (£329,836 compared to £531,429) however 2023’s income was unusually large due to a significant legacy and the timing of the receipt of grants. If the impact of these one-off items is removed from the picture, 2024 shows a £22,159 increase in income.
The major sources of 2024 income were:
Regular giving and collections - £142,736 (2023: £143,248)
Grants - £70,662 (2023: £72,121)
Church Hall Lettings - £26,626 (2023: £20,695)
Rental & Investment Income - £80,779 (2023: £65,664)
Alongside this, there were significant challenges around the continued rise in the cost of utilities and increased team costs. A significant reduction in Parish Share combined with excellent day to day financial management meant that the overall costs to the parish reduced by 10%.
All of this meant that whilst the accounts show a loss of £107,195, the day to day running costs of the Parish effectively broke even, and the loss shown represents a £106,702 draw down on our restricted funds – money being used for the specific purpose that it was donated.
Reserves at the end of the period were:
Unrestricted General £262,219 (2023 – £262,712) Restricted £400,413 (2023: £507,115)
Reserves and Policy: It is not the intention of the PCC to build up large reserves in the General Fund but rather to use donated monies to meet the mission of our church. Legacies will be used in line with wishes expressed in the Will, or for the furtherance of the mission of the church. It is our intention to celebrate and name the activities facilitated by legacies.
Legal and administrative information: Legal and administrative information is set out on Pages 1-2
Statement of Council Members Responsibilities: Charity law requires the Council members to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Parochial Church Council at the year end and of its incoming resources and resources expended during that year. In preparing those financial statements, the Council members are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Parochial Church Council will continue to function.
The Council members are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Parochial Church Council and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Parochial Church Council and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report was appro ed by the Council members on ............19th May 2025........ and signed on their behalf by Z iA ff ae : . """/"" .. . ....... ev Rd P erson
PARISH OF WEST CHELTENHAM PCC
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
I report to the charity Trustees, and council members, on my examination of the financial statements of the Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council (“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 accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts 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 2011 Act.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently, I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair view’ and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Scotland, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no 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 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Ryan Moore CA Randall & Payne LLP Chartered Accountants & Independent Examiners Chargrove House Shurdington Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 4GA
Date 17 October 2025
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Statement of financial activities
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted) | Restricted) | 2024 | 2023) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds) | funds) | Total) | Total) | ||
| Note | £) | £) | £) | £) | |
| Income from: | |||||
| Voluntary income | 2 | 130,824 | 82,575 | 213,399 | 390,520 |
| Church activities | 3 | 7,631 | - | 7,631 | 53,290 |
| Other trading activities | 4 | 26,626 | - | 26,626 | 20,964) |
| Investments | 5 | 80,779 | - | 80,779 | 65,664 |
| Other Income | 1,261 | 140 |
1,401 | 993 | |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______) | ||
| Total | 247,121 | 82,715 | 329,836 | 531,431) | |
| ______) | ______) | ______) | ______) | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Raising funds | (-) | 5,175 | 5,175 | - | |
| Church activities | 6 | 232,634 | 174,209 | 406,843 |
485,128) |
| Other costs | 14,980 | 10,033 | 25,013 | - | |
| ______) | ______) | ______) | ______) | ||
| Total | 247,614 | 189,417 | 437,031 | 485,128) | |
| ______) | ______ | ______ | ______) | ||
| Net income/(expenditure) | (493) | (106,702) | (107,195) | 46,303 | |
| Transfers between funds | - | - | - |
-) | |
| ______) | ______) | ______) | ______) | ||
| Net movement in funds | (493) | (106,702) |
(107,195) | 46,303 |
|
| Total funds brought forward | 262,712 | 507,115 | 769,827 | 723,524 | |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 13,14 | 262,219 | 400,413 | 662,632 | 769,827 |
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ═════ |
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Balance sheet at 31 December 2024
| Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Balance sheet at 31 December 2024 |
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Tangible assets | 9 | 254,286 | 258,240 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 10 | 291,000 | 290,566 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 123,980 | 226,931 | |||
| 414,980 | 517,497 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 11 | (6,634) | (5,910) | ||
| Net current assets | 408,346 | 511,587 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 12 | 662,632 | 769,827 | ||
| Funds | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 13 | 262,219 | 262,712 | ||
| Restricted funds | 14 | 400,413 | 507,115 | ||
| 662,632 | 769,827 |
The financial statements were approved by the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of West Cheltenham on 19th May 2025 and signed on its behalf by MIKE HORNE PHIL SOUTHAM Treasurer Churchwarden
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting policies
1.1. Accounting convention
The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs and with the Regulations “true and fair” provisions. They have been prepared under FRS102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP(FRS102)).
The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs and with the Regulations “true and fair” provisions. The financial statements have been prepared to give a “true and fair” view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a “true and fair” view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has now been withdrawn.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated within the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom (FRS 102) and Charities Act 2011. The Parish of West Cheltenham PCC meets the definition of a Public Benefit entity under FRS102.
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
1.2. Funds
Unrestricted funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the church for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund.
The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the financial statements of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
1.3. Incoming resources
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to that income, there is sufficient certainty of receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.
Voluntary income is recognised by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. Donated assets are included at the value to the PCC where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included. Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.
Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Notes to the financial statements (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
Income Tax recoverable on Gift Aid conditions is recognised when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Interest is accounted for when receivable. Any tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.
The PCC is not registered for VAT.
Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.
1.4. Resources expended
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for expenditure. All costs have been directly attributed to one of the financial categories of resources used in the statement of financial activities with the exception of governance costs which have been split with 20% attributable to fund raising activities and 80% to church activities.
Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
Grants and donations, including the diocesan parish share, are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
1.5. Fixed assets
Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements by s10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.
Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected at any reasonable time. For inalienable property acquired prior to 1999 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not included in the financial statements. There were no acquisitions of inalienable property in this financial year.
Depreciation is provided using the straight-line basis using the following rates:
- Fixtures, fittings and equipment 4 years - Freehold property 50 years
All assets costing more than £2,000 are capitalised.
Property held for the purpose of social housing
The Trustees reviewed the criteria for Investment Property in light of the amendments to FRS 102 from the 2019 Triennial Review. Having re-reviewed the criteria and confirmed the underlying use of the properties in question, the Trustees have reclassified the investment property to Property, Plant and Equipment. This has been performed on the basis that the Dulverton property is considered to be operated for the sole purpose of social housing. Under FRS 102, where the property meets this criteria, it should be classified as Property Plant and Equipment and is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Notes to the financial statements (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
1.6 Leasing
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The title of the lease remains with the lessor and the equipment is replaced every 3 years whilst the economic life of such equipment is normally 10 years.
1.7 Financial instruments
The PCC only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognized at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
1.8 Going concern
The council members have reviewed the ongoing future of the PCC and consider that there are plans in place to continue the PCC’s operation. There are no material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the PCC’s ability to continue as a going concern.
1.9 Pensions
The PCC made contributions for the benefit of employees to the auto-enrolment pension scheme.
1.10 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for goods and services it must provide.
Provisions are set up only where it is probable that a present obligation exists as a result of an event prior to the balance sheet date and that a payment will be required in settlement that can be estimated reliably. Where material, provisions are calculated on a discounted basis.
1.11 Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any discount offered.
1.12 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Notes to the financial statements (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
| 2. | Voluntary income |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Unrestricted) ** | Restricted) |
2024 | 2023) | ||
| **funds) ** | **funds) ** | **Total) ** | **Total) ** | ||
| £) | £) | £) | £) | ||
| Planned income | |||||
| Gift Aid donations | 105,908 | 14,700 | 120,608 | 90,087 | |
| Other | - | - | - | 5,504 | |
| Tax recoverable | 20,254 | 1,875 | 22,128 | 22,833 | |
| Collections and other giving | - | - | - | 16,909 | |
| Gift Days and appeals | - | - | - | 7,915 | |
| Legacies | - | - | - | 175,151 | |
| Grants receivable – Note 9 | 4,662 | 66,000 | 70,662 | (777772,121 | |
| ______) | ______ | ______) | ______) | ||
| 130,824 | 82,575 | 213,399 | 390,520) | ||
| ═════) | ═════ | ═════) | ═════) |
In 2024, of the voluntary income, £130,823 (2023: £136,475) was in relation to unrestricted funds and £82,575 (2023: £254,055) to restricted funds.
3. Church activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024) | 2023) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total) | Total) | ||
| £ | £ | £) | £) | ||
| Gloucester Diocese Fundings | - | - | - | 47,146 | |
| Wedding & Funeral Fees | 7,574 | - | 7,574 | 4,315 | |
| Mums and Toddlers | 57 | - | 57 | 1,829 | |
| ______) | ______ | ______) | ______) | ||
| 7,631 | - | 7,631 | 53,290 | ||
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════) | ═════) | ||
| 4. | Other trading activities | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024) | 2023) | ||
| funds | funds | Total) | Total) | ||
| £ | £ | £) | £) | ||
| Church hall lettings | 26,626 | - | 26,626 | 20,695) | |
| Other trading activities | - | - | - | 269 | |
| ______) | ______ | ______) | ______) | ||
| 26,626 | - | 26,626 | 20,964) | ||
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════) | ═════) |
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2024
5. Investments Unrestricted funds
Rental income Interest received
| 2024) | 2023) |
|---|---|
| Total) | Total) |
| £) | £) |
| 74,179 | 58,539) |
| 6,601 | 7,126) |
| ______) | ______) |
| 80,780 | 65,665) |
| ═════) | ═════) |
| 6. | Church activities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Unrestricted) ** | **Restricted) ** | 2024) | 2023) | ||
| funds) | funds) | Total) | Total) | ||
| £) | £) | £) | £) | ||
| Missionary and charitable giving | |||||
| Donations to Charities & Missions | 9,749 | 8,890 | 18,639 | 25,395 | |
| ______ | ______ | _____) | ______) | ||
| 9,749 | 8,890 | 18,639 | 25,395 | ||
| ______ | ______ | ______) | ______) | ||
| Ministry | |||||
| Parish share | 139,877 | - | 139,877 | (167,680 | |
| Clergy expenses | - | - | - | 1,887 | |
| Church running expenses | 31,115 | 1,132 | 32,247 | 27,819 | |
| Oasis Centre running expenses | - | - | - | - | |
| Church maintenance | 4,715 | 54,569 | 59,284 | 102,765 | |
| Upkeep of services | 2,922 | 11,866 | 14,788 | 23,309 | |
| Upkeep of churchyard | - | 8,080 | 8,080 | 3,320 | |
| Office administration | 38,426 | 32,064 | 70,491 | (554,320 | |
| Audio/visual expenses | - | 516 | 516 | 3,000 | |
| Training, pastoral and outreach | - | 6,641 | 6,641 | 12,484 | |
| Costs of church activities | 1,876 | - | 1,876 | 3,413 | |
| Major repairs – structure | - | 50,451 | 50,451 | 36,789 | |
| Contribution to St Mark’s Church | |||||
| of England (VA) Junior School | - | - | - | 1,018 | |
| Cost of trading | - | - | - | 12,145 | |
| Capital Projects | - | - | - | 1,403 | |
| Depreciation | 3,954 | - | 3,954 | (3,954 | |
| Governance costs | - | - | - | 4,427 | |
| ______ | ______ | ______) | ______) | ||
| 222,885 | 165,318 | 388,203 | 459,733 | ||
| ______ | ______ | ______) | ______) | ||
| 232,634 | 174,209 | 406,843 | 485,128 | ||
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ||
| 7. | Raising funds | ||||
| **Unrestricted) ** | **Restricted) ** | 2024) | 2023) | ||
| **funds) ** | **funds) ** | **Total) ** | **Total) ** | ||
| **£) ** | **£) ** | **£) ** | **£) ** | ||
| Fund raising events | - | 5,175 | 5,175 | - | |
| ______ | ______ | ______) | ______) | ||
| - | 5,175 | 5,175 | - | ||
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ═════ |
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2024
8. Other costs
| Other costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Unrestricted) ** | **Restricted) ** | 2024) | 2023) | |
| **funds) ** | **funds) ** | **Total) ** | **Total) ** | |
| **£) ** | **£) ** | **£) ** | **£) ** | |
| Cost of trading | 8,913 | 10,033 | 18,946 | - |
| Governance costs | 4,008 | - | 4,008 | - |
| Parochial fees remittance | 2,059 | - | 2,059 | - |
| ______ | ______ | ______) | ______) | |
| 14,980 | 10,033 | 25,013 | - | |
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ═════ |
The PCC received parochial fees totalling £5,515 (£4,315 – 2023) in the year. Of this, £2,222 (£1,641 – 2023) was made up of statutory fees due to the PCC as prepared by the Archbishops’ Council under the Ecclesiastical Fees Measure 1966. The statutory fees have been passed on in full to the Gloucester Diocesan Board of Finance and do not appear in the above financial statements.
In 2024, of the expenditure on church activities, £250,474 (£230,624 – 2023) was in relation to unrestricted funds and £189,416 (£254,504 – 2023) to restricted funds.
9. Grants receivable
| Grants receivable | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | **Restricted) ** | 2024) | 2023) | |
| **funds) ** | **funds) ** | **Total) ** | **Total) ** | |
| **£) ** | £) | **£) ** | **£) ** | |
| Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme | 4,662 | - | 4,662 | 10,781 |
| Benefact Trust | - | 50,000 | 50,000 | - |
| Skene Trust | - | - | - | 50,000 |
| Sylvanus Lysons | - | 6,000 | 6,000 | 7,000 |
| National Grid – Warm Spaces | - | - | - | 4,340 |
| Passion Trust | - | 4,000 | 4,000 | - |
| Gloucester Diocese LIFE Fund | - | 6,000 | 6,000 | - |
| ______) | ______) | ______) | ______) | |
| 4,662 | 66,000 | 70,662 | 72,121 | |
| ════) | ════) | ════) | ════) |
10. Staff costs
Number of employees
The average number of staff, excluding PCC members, in the period was
| 2024 | 2023) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | ||
| Administration | 1 | 2) | |
| Maintenance | 2 | 222222 | 2 |
| ______) | ______) | ||
| 3 | 4) | ||
| ═════ | ═════ |
No employee earned more than £60,000 in the year (2022 – NIL).
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial statements (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Notes to the financial statements (continued) or the year ended 31 December 2024 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2024) | 2023) | |
| Employment costs | £) | £) |
| Gross wages and salaries | 46,097 | 41,649 |
| Social security costs | - | - |
| Pension costs | 1,575 | 1,759 |
| ______ | ______ | |
| 47,672 | 43,408 | |
| ═════ | ═════ |
11. Tangible fixed assets
| Freehold land | Fixtures, fittings) | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| and property) | and equipment) | (restted) | |
| £) | £) | £) | |
| Cost | |||
| At 1 January 2024 | () | ) | |
| And 31 December 2024 | 333,381 |
84,554 | (417,935) |
| ______) | ______ | ______ | |
| Depreciation | |||
| At 1 January 2024 | 75,141 |
84,554 | 159,695 |
| Charge for the year | 3,954 | - | 3,954 |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | |
| At 31 December 2024 | 79,095 | 84,554) | 163,649 |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | |
| Net book value | |||
| At 31 December 2024 | (254,286 | (36,-) | (254,286 |
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | |
| At 31 December 2023 | 258,240 | -) | 258,240 |
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════ |
Included within freehold land and property is land with a cost value of £30,662. This is not depreciated.
12. Debtors
| Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| **2024) ** | 2023) | |
| **£) ** | £) | |
| Sale of property proceeds | ||
| held under a Declaration of | ||
| Trust | 278,516 | 278,516 |
| Accrued income | 12,482 | 12,050 |
| ______) | ______) | |
| 290,998 | 290,566 | |
| ═════ | ═════) |
Notes to the financial statements (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
| 13. | Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024) | 2023) | |||
| )£) | £) | |||
| Accruals | - | 4,110 | ||
| Trade creditors | 6,634 | 1,800 | ||
| ______) | ______) | |||
| 6,634 | 5,910 | |||
| ════) | ════) | |||
| 14. | Analysis of net assets between funds | |||
| Year ended 31 December 2024 | ||||
| Unrestricted) | Restricted) | Total) | ||
| funds) | funds) | funds) | ||
| £) | £) | £) | ||
| Tangible fixed assets | 254,286 | - | 254,286 | |
| Current assets | 1,299 | 400,413 | 401,712 | |
| Current liabilities | 6,634 | - | 6,634 | |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ||
| 262,219 | 400,413 | 662,632 | ||
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ||
| Analysis of net assets between funds | ||||
| Year ended 31 December 2023 | ||||
| Unrestricted) | Restricted) | Total) | ||
| funds) | funds) | funds) | ||
| £) | £) | £) | ||
| Tangible fixed assets | 258,240 | (-) | 258,240 | |
| Current assets | --( | 463163463507,115 | 507,115 | |
| Current liabilities | 4,472 | - | 4,472 | |
| ______ | ______) | ______) | ||
| 262,712 | 507,115 | 769,827 | ||
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════) |
Notes to the financial statements (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted funds | 01 January) | Incoming) | Resources) | 31 December) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15. | Year ended 31 December 2024 | 2024) | resources) | expended) | Transfers) | 2024) |
| £) | £) | £) | £) | £) | ||
| General | 4,472) | 247,121 | (243,660) | - | 7,933 | |
| Designated fixed asset fund | 258,240 | -) | (3,954) | - | 254,286 | |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||
| 262,712) | 247,121 | (247,614) | - | 262,219 | ||
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ═════ |
General fund
Balance of funds that is not restricted or designated for any purposes.
Designated fixed asset fund
Balance comprises Freehold Buildings £227,578 and Freehold Land £30,662 (cost values).
| Unrestricted funds | 01 January) | Incoming) | Resources) | 31 December) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended 31 December 2023 | 2023) | resources) | expended) | Transfers) | 2023) |
| £) | £) | £) | £) | £) | |
| General | (2,178)) | 233,320 | ((226,670) | ( | 4,472 |
| Designated fixed asset fund | 262,194) | -) | (3,954) | -) | 258,240 |
| ______) | ______) | ______) | ______) | ______) | |
| 260,016) | 233,320) | ((230,624) | - | 262,712 | |
| ═════) | ═════) | ═════) | ═════) | ═════) |
Notes to the financial statements (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
| 16. | Restricted funds | 01 January | Incoming) | Resources) | 31 December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended 31 December 2024 | 2024) | resources) | expended) | Transfers | 2024) | |
| £) | £) | £) | £ | £) | ||
| Parish | ||||||
| Friends International | - | - | - | - | - | |
| New Life Band | - | 1,140 | (950) | - | 190 | |
| Parish Outreach | 20,970 | 500 | (19,317) | - | 2,153 | |
| St. Barnabas Care Fund | 250 | - | - | - | 250 | |
| St Barnabas Community Outreach | 1,280 | - | (621) | - | 659 | |
| St Barnabas Gift Day | (- | 7,005 | (7,005) | - | - | |
| St Mark's Counselling fund | 1,956 | - | - | - | 1,956 | |
| Food Programme | - | - | - | - | - | |
| St Aidan and St Silas Development | 5,760 | 200 | (3,425) | - | 2,535 | |
| St Mark’s Reordering | 108 | 50,660 | (50,768) | - | - | |
| St Mark’s Extension Fund | 278,515 | - | (9,751) | - | 268,764 | |
| St Mark’s Heritage Fund | - | - | - | - | - | |
| St Mark's Care fund | 1,748 | - | - | - | 1,748 | |
| St Mark’s Open the Book Club | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Toilet and Servery Fund | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Minor restricted Fund | - | 900 | (628) | - | 272 | |
| Parish Youth Worker | 11,243 | 12,500 | (17,028) | - | 6,715 | |
| Warm Spaces | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Passion Trust | - | 9,496 | (9,496) | - | - | |
| Restricted to St Barnabas & | ||||||
| designated to the purpose | ||||||
| St Barnabas Reordering | 1,909 | - | (1,293) | - | 616 | |
| Legacy received | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Sharon Arbuckle Legacy | 124,997 | - | (35,874) | - | 89,123 | |
| Restricted to St Mark’s & | ||||||
| designated to purpose | ||||||
| St Mark’s Development | 30,366 | - | (30,366) | - | - | |
| St Mark’s Reordering | - | - | - | - | - | |
| St Mark’s General Reserves | - | - | - | - | - | |
| St Mark’s Parents and Toddlers | 162 | - | (120) | - | 42 | |
| M Joyce Day Legacy Fund | 2,525 | - | (2,525) | - | - | |
| St Mark’s Organ | 1,496 | - | (250) | - | 1,246 | |
| Bell fund | - | 314 | - | - | 314 | |
| Restricted to St Aidan & St Silas | ||||||
| designated to purpose | ||||||
| Legacy received | 23,830 | - | - | - | 23,830 | |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||
| 507,115 | 82,715 | (189,417) | - | 400,413 | ||
| ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ═════ | ═════ |
Friends International
Donations for the organisation ‘Friends International’.
New Life Band
Donations for the New Life Band Mission to Youth and Children, Tanzania.
Parish Outreach
To encourage evangelism and outreach to those not yet of Christian faith.
St. Barnabas Care Fund
An emergency fund for those in need, spent at the discretion of the vicar, church leadership and/or PCC.
St. Barnabas Community Outreach
For community outreach work to the community in the vicinity of St Barnabas Church.
St. Barnabas Gift Day
Donations for St Barnabas mission partners raised on the annual gift day.
St. Mark's Counselling Fund
To help towards the cost of counselling/therapy, spent at the discretion of the PCC.
R-T - Food Programme
Donations for any church programme distributing food or feeding people in the parish.
St. Aidan and St. Silas Development
For the development of St Aidan & St Silas Church.
St. Mark's Reordering
For the costs incurred in the reordering of St Mark's Church. Reordering defined as the rearrangement and adaption of churches to accommodate changes in religious practice.
St. Mark's Extension Fund (in trust)
Proceeds must be used “in augmentation of the Assistant Curacy Fund of St Mark’s Church”. However, if there is no Assistant Curacy Fund of St Mark’s Church then the sale proceeds must be used “in augmentation of St Mark’s Church Extension Fund Cheltenham.”
St. Mark's Heritage Fund
Funds to be spent specifically on the named items at St Mark's Church: Drain repairs, Staff costs and access ramps.
St. Mark's Care Fund
An emergency fund for those in need, spent at the discretion of the vicar, church leadership and/or PCC.
St. Mark's Open the Book Club
To be spent on outreach to children.
R-B- Toilet and Servery Fund
For St Barnabas Toilet & Servery Project.
Minor Restricted Fund
For ad-hoc income and expenditure which is received/spent for a specific purpose. This fund should always balance back to nil.
Parish Youth Worker
For the salary, service delivery and core running costs of parish youth work.
Warm Spaces
To help fund 'warm spaces' across the parish - heating/materials/blankets etc between December 2023 and end March 2024.
Passion Trust
To help fund Passion Plays.
St. Barnabas Reordering
For the reordering of St Barnabas Church - Reordering defined as the rearrangement and adaption of churches to accommodate changes in religious practice.
Legacy Received
For the general use of St Barnabas Church.
Sharon Arbuckle Legacy
For the mission and fabric of St Barnabas Church.
St. Mark's Development
For the development of St Mark's Church.
St. Marks Reordering
For the costs incurred in the reordering of St Mark's Church. Reordering defined as the rearrangement and adaption of churches to accommodate changes in religious practice.
St. Mark's General Reserve
For general spend associated with St Mark's Church.
St. Mark's Parents and Toddlers
For the express use of St Mark's Parents and Toddlers group.
R/D - M Joyce Day Legacy Fund
For the general use of St Mark's Church.
St Mark's Organ
For the repair and restoration of St Mark's Church Organ.
Bell Fund
To be used for the long term maintenance costs of bells
Legacy received
For the general use of St Aidan & St Silas Church.
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council Notes to the financial statements (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
St Mark’s Development Fund
St Mark’s Development Fund was created from the sale of 21 Brooklyn Road, Cheltenham, a property purchased and held under Declaration of Trust by the Martyrs’ Memorial Church of England Trust for the Assistant Curate of St Mark’s Parochial Church Council. The terms state that if there is no requirement for the fund, the sales proceeds may be applied to St Mark’s Extension Fund. The sale proceeds are immediately available following an assurance to the Trust that the money will be spent in accordance with the covenant. They recommend commendation from an Archdeacon to that effect.
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council
17. Operating leases
The total lease payments recognised within expenses for the year ended 31 December 2024 were £1080.
At 31 December 2024 the group had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
| Amounts payable | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Within one year | 1,080 | 1,080 |
| Between 2 and 5 years | 346 | 1,426 |
| ═════ | ═════ |
18. Capital commitments
There were no capital commitments at 31 December 2024 (2023– NIL).
19. Related Party Transactions
Identifiable donations were made by PCC members in the year ended 31 December 2024 of £860 (2023 - £2,740). The amount of anonymous donations which would include further amounts have not been assessed for 2024 (nor 2023).
Mike Horne, a PCC member, was reimbursed £230 for various church expenses during the year (2023 - £523). There were no amounts owing to him at the year end.
Rod Paterson, a PCC, member, was reimbursed £116 for expenses during the year (2023 - £1,870). There were no amount owing to him at the year end.
Janice Hamilton, a PCC, member, was reimbursed £6,818 for expenses during the year (2023 - £2,194). There were no amount owing to her at the year end.
Josh Denley, a PCC, member, was reimbursed £2,884 for expenses during the year (2023 - £1,560). There were no amount owing to him at the year end.
Phil Southam, a PCC member, was reimbursed £384 for expenses during the year (2023 - £30). There were no amount owing to him at the year end.
Kathryn Martin, a PCC member, was reimbursed £178 for expenses during the year (2023 - £nil). There were no amount owing to him at the year end.
Thomas Wynn, a PCC member, was reimbursed £79 for expenses during the year (2023 - £nil). There were no amount owing to him at the year end.
Donations were made to Cheltenham YMCA, of which Mike Horne is chair, of £928 (2023 - £1,650). There were no amount owing to the organisation at the year end.
An amount was received from Cheltenham YMCA, of which Mike Horne is chair, of £79,348 for the use of a property (2023 - £58,539). There were no amount owing to the organisation at the year end.
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council
20. Independent Examiner’s Remuneration
The Independent Examiner’s remuneration amounts to an Independent Examination (including accounts preparation) fee of £2,860 (2023 – £2,780).
Parish of West Cheltenham Parochial Church Council