OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2020-12-31-accounts

PARISH OF BENGEO Annual Report for 2020

General Information

This report covers the period 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2020.

Bengeo is in the Diocese of St Albans and is situated mainly within the town of Hertford, but the parish also includes the rural areas of Chapmore End and Tonwell. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of maintaining two churches in the parish, Holy Trinity Church and St Leonard’s Church. Holy Trinity Church, a Grade II listed building, is the main parish church and is situated in New Road, Bengeo. St Leonard’s Church is a Grade I listed building dating from approximately 1120 and is situated in St Leonard’s Road, Bengeo.

The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and appointments are made under the Church Representation Rules.

During the past year the following served as members of the PCC:

Team Vicar: The Reverend Robert Thompson
Associate Priest: The Reverend David Pepper
Lay Reader: Mr Bob Kelly
Churchwardens: Mrs Diana Howarth and Mr Graham Squires

Representatives on the Deanery Synod: Vacant

Elected members:
Until APCM 2021 Mrs Jennifer Newton
Mrs Penny Andrew
Mrs Pam Thain
Mr John Howson
Until APCM 2022 Mrs Joanne King
Mr David Greely
Mr Peter Shillito
Until APCM 2023 Mr David Cramphorn
Mrs Bridget Hersant

Response to coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic made 2020 a year of unprecedented challenge.

Whilst the PCC’s mission priorities remained the same – reconciliation, justice, beauty, wholeness and healing - the way that Holy Trinity church has been able to deliver activities in support of those priorities has been severely restricted.

However, the need to support people’s faith and help bring qualities such as reconciliation, wholeness and healing into people’s lives has never been more important.

In response to this challenge many members of the PCC and congregation have worked hard to deliver some truly inspiring activities that have proved popular and been highly valued by the congregation and many people in the wider community.

These activities have included:

Although some of the format and content of these services has been dictated by national guidance (no singing, distancing rules limiting numbers etc), other new elements have been very well received. As we follow the ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown in 2021 the PCC will review services to ensure that improvements are retained in any new fixed arrangements.

Safe and secure services could not have taken place at Holy Trinity in 2020 without the hard work of the church wardens.

Thanks and gratitude go to John Howson for the excellent new website and Mike Howarth who has brought his professional expertise to producing some truly high quality podcasts and films.

Robert and the team have delivered some thoughtful, comforting and inspiring content which has been source of strength and healing for all.

Anne Sentance has also delivered a series of fantastic films for our Junior Church.

Regular Worship

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship.

Although attendance at church was restricted during 2020 due to the pandemic everything possible was done to enable people to worship safely together at Holy Trinity as and when permitted by national guidance.

This included a new pattern of services on Sundays comprising a 9am and 10am Holy Communion. Distancing and safety measures were introduced to minimise risk.

When restrictions meant that services could not be held in person a weekly podcast was made available online. This proved extremely popular with approximately 100 people listening to each edition.

Videos for our Junior Church were also produced and made available online.

Although unique circumstances mean that it is not particularly useful or meaningful to look at average church attendances during 2020 – during October 2020 when church services were being held at Holy Trinity the average attendance each Sunday was 50. In 2019 the average attendance each Sunday was 78.

2020 Electoral Roll

There were 99 people on the 2020 Electoral Roll prepared by Stella Saggers. The 2020 Electoral Roll has been published for fourteen days continuously in advance of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

Our Churches

Although scope to undertake significant building and improvement works in our churches and church estates was limited in 2020, St. Leonard's Church was redecorated with thanks to the Friends of St Leonards. There has also been an upgrade of the vestry toilets in Holy Trinity Church.

Safeguarding Policy

The PCC has complied with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and ensured that:

After several years of valuable service as safeguarding officer, Bridget Hersant has stood down from the position with thanks from the PCC. At the PCC meeting on 18 march 2021 its was proposed and agreed that Bob Kelly would take up the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer with Juliet Whitehead as deputy.

Bengeo’s policy concerning safeguarding Children, Vulnerable adults, and Domestic Abuse has been published and is displayed on our web site and at the entrance to the church, together with contact numbers. It has been signed off by Bob (Safeguarding Officer), Fr. Robert (as incumbent) and Graham/Diana (church wardens). Details of the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Mr Jeremy Hirst on 01727 818107/07867 350886, is also shown. Further information can be obtained from the Diocesan/Church websites.

Any advice please speak to Bob in confidence. Any concerns must be reported and can be brought to the attention of either the Safeguarding Officer, Vicar, Church Wardens or direct to the Diocesan safeguarding team. Emergency matters will be reported immediately to the police. Remember safety of the vulnerable is imperative and must remain confidential at all times.

The current position is that anyone performing a church role involving children or vulnerable adults, either in a supervisory capacity or alone, will require a basic or enhanced disclosure/baring check (DBS). This is normal procedure in all other organisations and is Church of England policy. Due to the restrictions over the last year there has been no applications. As lockdown eases this hopefully will change as more become involved. Please speak to Bob who will help with on-line applications.

Parish training has developed over recent months and basic on-line training is now available. This will form a safeguarding action plan to be discussed at the next PCC meeting on 15th July. On-line training takes approximately 1 hour. Any queries, again, please speak to Bob.

Deanery Synod

The Deanery Synod exists to connect parishes to one another and to the Diocese, supporting one another and sharing in issues of Ministry and Mission.

2020 has obviously been an exceptional year in our nation and the Deanery Synod was only been able to meet twice in 2020.

The first meeting took place on 8 February, with the prelude of seeing/experiencing the Forgiveness Project at Christ Church, Ware and the stories and photographs displayed around the church spoke of radical and costly forgiveness in both the spiritual and secular realm.

Having met in Christ Church, the other main topic of the meeting was how the church had been physically transformed in the last year. The Revd John Hookway spoke about the changes, inc heating, lighting, new floor, electrical wiring, energy efficiency, comfortable seats, living out the Christian calling. He challenged Synod members that we can have a narrative of hope or decline.

The Synod also met on Zoom on 12 November, with a session on Enabling our churches to flourish in the ‘New Normal’. It was led and facilitated by the Revd Harry Steele, Church Growth Officer for Hertfordshire and Associate Director of Leading your Church into Growth. He gave Seven Steps to consider when looking at growth in the current context of the pandemic:

  1. Create a prayerful culture of growth Matthew 13.31 Mustard Seed. Pray specifically for growth

  2. Implement an effective strategy. Matthew 6.10 Kingdom Come

  3. Practice fruitful evangelism. Mark 1.17 Catching fish/people. You may feel anxious, but there’s no other way than to have a go. We need to be able to tell people our story

  4. Develop engaging worship Exodus 3.5 Holy Ground. What matters is doing the worship in a planned and thoughtful way, not the churchmanship, etc. Do people see a Christian community at prayer, engaged in worship? It’s what we invite people to. So it isn’t about what we personally prefer but what will engage new people

  5. Becoming an inviting and Welcoming church. Luke 14.21 Banquet. We should make sure all people are welcome. Make sure the service also gives a welcome. e.g highchairs and snacks for young children. Young families began to attend when this was done

  6. Create a pathway for seekers to become disciples. Matthew 28.19 Make Disciples. The journey of faith is like stepping stones, not a big jump from one bank of the river to another. Ask: How do you make disciples? Is it working? We could have people invited, seeking even - but they need to grow

  7. Begin a planned journey of growth Acts 5.14 The Early Church. Churches that plan to grow are much more likely to grow. A plan not mentioning growth will be more difficult. Collaboration is needed within the church, keep updating. The MAP can be a standing item on the PCC; what are our goals and how are they going?

Parish Share and the Diocesan Board of Finance

Colin Bird now chairs the DBF. In this time of lockdown, many parishes are having varying issues re fundraising, e.g. letting halls, sales etc. Some have historic reserves, some have run out. Others have everyone on giving schemes which weather the storm. We are currently 10% behind across the

Diocese (£1.5m). Parishes are making efforts to pay, which is excellent. Next year, we know that all of us will be financially weaker, making it very difficult to budget.

The Parish Share should not rise significantly next year due to the challenges. It is a tough situation, although we are in a better position than many other Dioceses.

The Deanery Synod will continue to act as a conduit between the parishes and the wider church. The co-ordination of Parish Share payment, concerns about staffing of the parishes, considering strategy for Christian care in the area and participating in the wider Church of England are all part of the Deanery’s work. We always encourage that relevant information is taken back to be shared more widely among our parishioners.

The Deanery Synod also provides a website for local information about parishes and churches. Find the Deanery website at www.hertfordandwaredeanery.org.uk

Financial Review

The pandemic had a significant impact on the Holy Trinity’s income in 2020 despite several generous donations from key donors helping to keep the parish financially solvent during this difficult time. Overall, the realised loss for the year was £39k, compared to a £14k surplus in 2019.

Taking account of the income for St Leonards toilets in 2019, incoming resources were down almost 40% at £83k.

The Parish Share was paid in full in 2020, but overall cash levels were significantly lower than at 31 Dec 2019 (down £28k or over 40%).

However, 2020 saw an increase in the value of investments. Even though the investments fell in the months following the pandemic, they rose as the Equity markets rallied in Q4, when Covid-19 vaccines started to be approved, and in fact ended the year being over £51k higher than 31 Dec 2019.

As a result, net assets were 1.4% higher overall (£12,716) than one year earlier. The General Fund showed an increase of approximately £13k for the year.

Reserves Policy

The PCC aims to hold a balance of between six and nine months’ running costs in current assets in the General Fund in order to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The target is between £59,000 and £88,000 and the year-end balance was £39,675.

D Greely Hon Secretary Holy Trinity Church Bengeo

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF HOLY TRINITY WITH CHRIST CHURCH AND

ST. LEONARD, BENGEO

(Registered charity no. 1137534)

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Contents: Independent examiner's report page i Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2020 page 1 Balance Sheet at 31 December 2020 page 2 Notes to the accounts page 3

Notes 1 to 7 are integral parts of the accounts

External - Official - Sensitive

Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of the Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity with Christ Church and St. Leonard, Bengeo

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020, which are set out on pages 1 to 7.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Brian Laming 49, Cowper Crescent Hertford SG14 3DZ

29 April 2021

i

External - Official - Sensitive

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2020

Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Resources from donors
2a
Other voluntary income
2b
Trading income
2c
Investment income
2d
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES USED
Grants - Charitable giving
3a
Work of the Church
3b
Fundraising costs
3c
Management & Admin
3d
Major works
3e
TOTAL RESOURCES USED
NET (RESOURCES USED) /
INCOMING RESOURCES
UNREALISED GAINS/(LOSSES) ON
INVESTMENTS
5b
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
NET MOVEMENT OF FUNDS
BALANCES 1 JANUARY
BALANCES 31 DECEMBER
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Funds
Funds
funds
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
£
54,037
2,972
-
57,009
148,565
375
282
-
657
4,732
1,162
-
-
1,162
6,955
26,077
2,279
-
28,356
39,112
81,651
5,533
-
87,184
199,364
919
-
-
919
73,107
96,134
2,349
-
98,483
97,346
38
472
-
510
3,011
742
11,079
-
11,821
11,708
10,574
-
-
10,574
-
108,407
13,900
-
122,307
185,172
(26,756)
(8,367)
-
(35,123)
14,192
44,302 -
7,281
51,583
117,813
-
-
-
-
-
17,546
(8,367)
7,281
16,460
132,005
736,271
64,203
105,442
905,916
773,911
753,817
55,836
112,723
922,376
905,916

External - Official - Sensitive

1

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2020

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
5a
Investments
5b
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
6
Deposits(at Central Board of Finance)
6
Cash and bank balances
6
LIABILITIES : amounts falling due within one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Unrestricted - General
- Designated
Unrestricted - Total
Restricted
Endowment
37,756
798,598
3,744
42,603
39,675
2020
£
836,354
86,022
-
86,022
922,376
722,427
31,390
753,817
55,836
112,723
922,376
2019
£
49,353
747,015

796,368
3,064
40,174
67,970

111,208

(1,660)

109,548

905,916

681,488

54,783

736,271

64,203

105,442

905,916

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on April 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

The Reverend Robert Thompson (Chairman)

The notes on pages 3 to 7 form part of these accounts.

External - Official - Sensitive

2

Notes to the accounts

1) Accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of fixed asset investments, which are shown at market value.

General funds represent the funds of the Parochial Church Council (“PCC”) that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for the general purposes of the PCC. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations 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. Funds raised by the fête, garden party and similar events are accounted for gross. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when paid.

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishings held by the Priest-in Charge and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's Inventory which can be inspected by arrangement with the Churchwardens. For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items costing more than £500 acquired since 1 January 2000 are capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their anticipated useful economic life. The cost of the organ and other items are depreciated over ten years.

All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under £500 or on the repair of movable church furnishings acquired before 1 January 2000 is written off. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of less than £500 are written off when the asset is acquired. Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of tax reclaimable under Gift Aid, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or with the Diocese.

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

External - Official - Sensitive

3

Notes to the accounts continued

2) Incoming resources

2a Resources from donors
Planned giving (BACS and
envelope scheme)
Tax reclaimed
Collections
Donations (including occasional
envelopes)
2b Other voluntary income
Fund raising
Legacies
Grants
2c Trading income
Magazines etc
Fees
2d Investment income
Dividends and interest
Rent from Church Hall
Total incoming resources
Unrestricted funds
General
Designated
Total
£
35,820
-
35,820
7,877
-
7,877
1,578
-
1,578
8,762
-
8,762
Restricted
funds
Total
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
-
35,820
28,275
-
7,877
20,578
-
1,578
6,222
2,972
11,734
93,490
Restricted
funds
Total
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
-
35,820
28,275
-
7,877
20,578
-
1,578
6,222
2,972
11,734
93,490
54,037
-
54,037
375
-
375
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,972
57,009
148,565
282
657
4,732
-
-
-
-
-
-
375
-
375
184
-
184
978
-
978
282
657
4,732
-
184
1,409
-
978
5,546
1,162
-
1,162
19,379
931
20,310
-
5,767
5,767
-
1,162
6,955
2,279
22,589
22,054
-
5,767
17,058
19,379
6,698
26,077
2,279
28,356
39,112
74,953
6,698
81,651
5,533
87,184
199,364

Dividends earned by the Hall endowment fund (see Note 5b) are restricted for use in maintaining and running the hall and are therefore included in restricted funds above.

The PCC has a policy that legacies, unless otherwise restricted by the testator, are held in a designated fund and used for significant projects.

External - Official - Sensitive

4

Notes to the accounts continued

3) Resources used

Unrestricted funds
General Designated
Total
£
3a
Charitable giving
919
-
919
919
-
919
3b
Work of the church
Parish Share
71,666
-
71,666
Clergy and training expenses
1,427
-
1,427
Church running expenses (including
minor repairs)
11,065
-
11,065
Upkeep of services
2,387
-
2,387
Churchyard and Memorial garden
-
-
-
Church Hall running costs
-
8,089
8,089
Website & publicity
120
-
120
Salaries and fees
1,380
-
1,380
Sunday School and other activities
-
-
-
88,045
8,089
96,134
3c
Fundraising and trading costs:
Fundraising
-
-
-
Magazine etc
38
-
38
38
-
38
3d
Management and Administration
Professional fees
-
-
-
Admin costs
224
-
224
Depreciation
-
518
518
224
518
742
3e
Major works and other items
Work at Church Hall
-
10,574
10,574
-
10,574
10,574
Total outgoing resources
89,226
19,181
108,407
Unrestricted funds
General Designated
Total
£
919
-
919
Restricted
funds
Total
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
-
919
73,107
Restricted
funds
Total
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
-
919
73,107
-
919
73,107
-
71,666
70,336
-
1,427
-
-
11,065
10,495
-
2,387
2,645
2,349
2,349
386
-
8,089
7,627
-
120
972
-
1,380
4,885
-
-
-
88,045
8,089
96,134
-
-
-
38
-
38
2,349
98,483
97,346
472
472
936
-
38
2,075
38
-
38
-
-
-
224
-
224
-
518
518
472
510
3,011
-
-
-
-
224
111
11,079
11,597
11,597
224
518
742
-
10,574
10,574
11,079
11,821
11,708
-
10,574
-
-
10,574
10,574
-
10,574
-
89,226
19,181
108,407
13,900
122,307
185,172

The amount of £68,798 of charitable giving from the Restricted fund shown in Note 3a in the 2019 accounts represents payments made to contractors in respect of the one-off project to build toilets at St Leonard’s Church, Bengeo. This was funded by an equal amount of restricted income during 2019 from the Friends of St Leonards. The work was completed by 31 December 2019.

Major works at the Church Hall during the year related to flooring and redecoration.

External - Official - Sensitive

5

Notes to the accounts continued

4) Staff costs and Members' interests

During 2019, the PCC employed Mrs J Newton, who is a member of the PCC, as organist. She was paid £320. There were no payments in respect of National Insurance or pensions. Mrs J. Newton was not employed as organist in 2020.

5a) Tangible fixed assets

Cost b/f
Additions
Total
Depreciation b/f
Depreciation charge for the year
NBV 1 January 2020
NBV 31 December 2020
Lighting
System
Organ &
furniture
Hall furniture &
equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
30,287
80,504
5,176
115,967
-
-
-
-
30,287
80,504
5,176
115,967
(3,029)
(59,210)
(4,375)
(66,614)
(3,029)
(8,050)
(518)
(11,597)
(6,058)
(67,260)
(4,893)
(78,211)
27,258
21,294
801
49,353
24,229
13,244
283
37,756

The organ was bought with a grant from The Friends of St Leonards in 2003 and is held in a restricted fund. Various items of furniture have been bought since with money donated specifically for the purpose. Depreciation, which represents 10% of the cost of each item, is charged against this fund.

5b) Investments

5b) Investments
Units
Endowment funds
Holy Trinity with Christ Church Repair Fund
3,929
Expendable endowment funds
Bengeo Holy Trinity Church Hall
1,584
Unrestricted funds:
PCC account
1,962
Proceeds from sale of Cowper Crescent
31,582.57
MV 2020
MV 2019
£
£
80,335
75,146
32,388
30,296
112,723
105,442
40,116
37,525
645,759
604,048
685,875
641,573
798,598
747,015

External - Official - Sensitive

6

Notes to the accounts continued

6) Analysis of current assets and liabilities by fund

Debtors
CBF deposits
Cash and bank
Creditors
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2019
General
Hall
Legacy
3,744
-
-
-
3,744
3,064
20,243
5,093
10,106
7,161
42,603
40,174
12,565
8,138
7,770
11,202
39,675
67,970
-
-
-
-
-
(1,066)
36,552
13,231
17,876
18,363
86,022
109,548

The debtor in 2019 represents amounts receivable from HMRC in relation to Gift Aid. The creditor in 2019 represents trade creditors and accruals. The debtor in 2020 represents amounts receivable from HMRC in relation to Gift Aid

7) Fund details

Unrestricted funds:
CBF units shown at Note 5b
General fund net current assets at Note 6
Legacy fund
Hall fixed assets as shown at Note 5a
Hall current assets at Note 6
Restricted funds – fixed assets:
Lighting System as shown at Note 5a
Organ & furniture as shown at Note 5a
Restricted funds – current assets:
Roof & fabric fund
Holy Trinity with Christ Church Repair
Memorial Garden and other restricted funds
Flower fund
Endowment funds
CBF units as shown at Note 5b
Brought
forward
Net increase /
(decrease) before
transfers and
gains
Transfers and
unrealised
gains
Carried
forward
641,573
-
44,302
685,875
39,915
(13,363)
10,000
36,552
17,876
-
-
17,876
801
(518)
-
283
36,106
(12,875)
(10,000)
13,231
736,271
(26,756)
44,302
753,817
27,258
(3,029)
-
24,229
21,294
(8,050)
-
13,244
3,061
-
-
3,061
4,882
2,279
-
7,161
5,749
623
-
6,372
1,959
(190)
-
1,769
68,911
(8,367)
-
55,836
105,442
-
7,281
112,723
905,916
(35,123)
51,583
922,376

External - Official - Sensitive

7

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF HOLY TRINITY WITH CHRIST CHURCH AND

ST. LEONARD, BENGEO

(Registered charity no. 1137534)

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Contents: Independent examiner's report page i Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2020 page 1 Balance Sheet at 31 December 2020 page 2 Notes to the accounts page 3

Notes 1 to 7 are integral parts of the accounts

External - Official - Sensitive

Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of the Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity with Christ Church and St. Leonard, Bengeo

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020, which are set out on pages 1 to 7.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Brian Laming 49, Cowper Crescent Hertford SG14 3DZ

29 April 2021

i

External - Official - Sensitive

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2020

Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Resources from donors
2a
Other voluntary income
2b
Trading income
2c
Investment income
2d
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES USED
Grants - Charitable giving
3a
Work of the Church
3b
Fundraising costs
3c
Management & Admin
3d
Major works
3e
TOTAL RESOURCES USED
NET (RESOURCES USED) /
INCOMING RESOURCES
UNREALISED GAINS/(LOSSES) ON
INVESTMENTS
5b
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
NET MOVEMENT OF FUNDS
BALANCES 1 JANUARY
BALANCES 31 DECEMBER
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Funds
Funds
funds
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
£
54,037
2,972
-
57,009
148,565
375
282
-
657
4,732
1,162
-
-
1,162
6,955
26,077
2,279
-
28,356
39,112
81,651
5,533
-
87,184
199,364
919
-
-
919
73,107
96,134
2,349
-
98,483
97,346
38
472
-
510
3,011
742
11,079
-
11,821
11,708
10,574
-
-
10,574
-
108,407
13,900
-
122,307
185,172
(26,756)
(8,367)
-
(35,123)
14,192
44,302 -
7,281
51,583
117,813
-
-
-
-
-
17,546
(8,367)
7,281
16,460
132,005
736,271
64,203
105,442
905,916
773,911
753,817
55,836
112,723
922,376
905,916

External - Official - Sensitive

1

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2020

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
5a
Investments
5b
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
6
Deposits(at Central Board of Finance)
6
Cash and bank balances
6
LIABILITIES : amounts falling due within one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Unrestricted - General
- Designated
Unrestricted - Total
Restricted
Endowment
37,756
798,598
3,744
42,603
39,675
2020
£
836,354
86,022
-
86,022
922,376
722,427
31,390
753,817
55,836
112,723
922,376
2019
£
49,353
747,015

796,368
3,064
40,174
67,970

111,208

(1,660)

109,548

905,916

681,488

54,783

736,271

64,203

105,442

905,916

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on April 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

The Reverend Robert Thompson (Chairman)

The notes on pages 3 to 7 form part of these accounts.

External - Official - Sensitive

2

Notes to the accounts

1) Accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of fixed asset investments, which are shown at market value.

General funds represent the funds of the Parochial Church Council (“PCC”) that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for the general purposes of the PCC. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations 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. Funds raised by the fête, garden party and similar events are accounted for gross. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when paid.

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishings held by the Priest-in Charge and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's Inventory which can be inspected by arrangement with the Churchwardens. For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items costing more than £500 acquired since 1 January 2000 are capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their anticipated useful economic life. The cost of the organ and other items are depreciated over ten years.

All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under £500 or on the repair of movable church furnishings acquired before 1 January 2000 is written off. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of less than £500 are written off when the asset is acquired. Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of tax reclaimable under Gift Aid, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or with the Diocese.

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

External - Official - Sensitive

3

Notes to the accounts continued

2) Incoming resources

2a Resources from donors
Planned giving (BACS and
envelope scheme)
Tax reclaimed
Collections
Donations (including occasional
envelopes)
2b Other voluntary income
Fund raising
Legacies
Grants
2c Trading income
Magazines etc
Fees
2d Investment income
Dividends and interest
Rent from Church Hall
Total incoming resources
Unrestricted funds
General
Designated
Total
£
35,820
-
35,820
7,877
-
7,877
1,578
-
1,578
8,762
-
8,762
Restricted
funds
Total
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
-
35,820
28,275
-
7,877
20,578
-
1,578
6,222
2,972
11,734
93,490
Restricted
funds
Total
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
-
35,820
28,275
-
7,877
20,578
-
1,578
6,222
2,972
11,734
93,490
54,037
-
54,037
375
-
375
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,972
57,009
148,565
282
657
4,732
-
-
-
-
-
-
375
-
375
184
-
184
978
-
978
282
657
4,732
-
184
1,409
-
978
5,546
1,162
-
1,162
19,379
931
20,310
-
5,767
5,767
-
1,162
6,955
2,279
22,589
22,054
-
5,767
17,058
19,379
6,698
26,077
2,279
28,356
39,112
74,953
6,698
81,651
5,533
87,184
199,364

Dividends earned by the Hall endowment fund (see Note 5b) are restricted for use in maintaining and running the hall and are therefore included in restricted funds above.

The PCC has a policy that legacies, unless otherwise restricted by the testator, are held in a designated fund and used for significant projects.

External - Official - Sensitive

4

Notes to the accounts continued

3) Resources used

Unrestricted funds
General Designated
Total
£
3a
Charitable giving
919
-
919
919
-
919
3b
Work of the church
Parish Share
71,666
-
71,666
Clergy and training expenses
1,427
-
1,427
Church running expenses (including
minor repairs)
11,065
-
11,065
Upkeep of services
2,387
-
2,387
Churchyard and Memorial garden
-
-
-
Church Hall running costs
-
8,089
8,089
Website & publicity
120
-
120
Salaries and fees
1,380
-
1,380
Sunday School and other activities
-
-
-
88,045
8,089
96,134
3c
Fundraising and trading costs:
Fundraising
-
-
-
Magazine etc
38
-
38
38
-
38
3d
Management and Administration
Professional fees
-
-
-
Admin costs
224
-
224
Depreciation
-
518
518
224
518
742
3e
Major works and other items
Work at Church Hall
-
10,574
10,574
-
10,574
10,574
Total outgoing resources
89,226
19,181
108,407
Unrestricted funds
General Designated
Total
£
919
-
919
Restricted
funds
Total
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
-
919
73,107
Restricted
funds
Total
Funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
-
919
73,107
-
919
73,107
-
71,666
70,336
-
1,427
-
-
11,065
10,495
-
2,387
2,645
2,349
2,349
386
-
8,089
7,627
-
120
972
-
1,380
4,885
-
-
-
88,045
8,089
96,134
-
-
-
38
-
38
2,349
98,483
97,346
472
472
936
-
38
2,075
38
-
38
-
-
-
224
-
224
-
518
518
472
510
3,011
-
-
-
-
224
111
11,079
11,597
11,597
224
518
742
-
10,574
10,574
11,079
11,821
11,708
-
10,574
-
-
10,574
10,574
-
10,574
-
89,226
19,181
108,407
13,900
122,307
185,172

The amount of £68,798 of charitable giving from the Restricted fund shown in Note 3a in the 2019 accounts represents payments made to contractors in respect of the one-off project to build toilets at St Leonard’s Church, Bengeo. This was funded by an equal amount of restricted income during 2019 from the Friends of St Leonards. The work was completed by 31 December 2019.

Major works at the Church Hall during the year related to flooring and redecoration.

External - Official - Sensitive

5

Notes to the accounts continued

4) Staff costs and Members' interests

During 2019, the PCC employed Mrs J Newton, who is a member of the PCC, as organist. She was paid £320. There were no payments in respect of National Insurance or pensions. Mrs J. Newton was not employed as organist in 2020.

5a) Tangible fixed assets

Cost b/f
Additions
Total
Depreciation b/f
Depreciation charge for the year
NBV 1 January 2020
NBV 31 December 2020
Lighting
System
Organ &
furniture
Hall furniture &
equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
30,287
80,504
5,176
115,967
-
-
-
-
30,287
80,504
5,176
115,967
(3,029)
(59,210)
(4,375)
(66,614)
(3,029)
(8,050)
(518)
(11,597)
(6,058)
(67,260)
(4,893)
(78,211)
27,258
21,294
801
49,353
24,229
13,244
283
37,756

The organ was bought with a grant from The Friends of St Leonards in 2003 and is held in a restricted fund. Various items of furniture have been bought since with money donated specifically for the purpose. Depreciation, which represents 10% of the cost of each item, is charged against this fund.

5b) Investments

5b) Investments
Units
Endowment funds
Holy Trinity with Christ Church Repair Fund
3,929
Expendable endowment funds
Bengeo Holy Trinity Church Hall
1,584
Unrestricted funds:
PCC account
1,962
Proceeds from sale of Cowper Crescent
31,582.57
MV 2020
MV 2019
£
£
80,335
75,146
32,388
30,296
112,723
105,442
40,116
37,525
645,759
604,048
685,875
641,573
798,598
747,015

External - Official - Sensitive

6

Notes to the accounts continued

6) Analysis of current assets and liabilities by fund

Debtors
CBF deposits
Cash and bank
Creditors
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2019
General
Hall
Legacy
3,744
-
-
-
3,744
3,064
20,243
5,093
10,106
7,161
42,603
40,174
12,565
8,138
7,770
11,202
39,675
67,970
-
-
-
-
-
(1,066)
36,552
13,231
17,876
18,363
86,022
109,548

The debtor in 2019 represents amounts receivable from HMRC in relation to Gift Aid. The creditor in 2019 represents trade creditors and accruals. The debtor in 2020 represents amounts receivable from HMRC in relation to Gift Aid

7) Fund details

Unrestricted funds:
CBF units shown at Note 5b
General fund net current assets at Note 6
Legacy fund
Hall fixed assets as shown at Note 5a
Hall current assets at Note 6
Restricted funds – fixed assets:
Lighting System as shown at Note 5a
Organ & furniture as shown at Note 5a
Restricted funds – current assets:
Roof & fabric fund
Holy Trinity with Christ Church Repair
Memorial Garden and other restricted funds
Flower fund
Endowment funds
CBF units as shown at Note 5b
Brought
forward
Net increase /
(decrease) before
transfers and
gains
Transfers and
unrealised
gains
Carried
forward
641,573
-
44,302
685,875
39,915
(13,363)
10,000
36,552
17,876
-
-
17,876
801
(518)
-
283
36,106
(12,875)
(10,000)
13,231
736,271
(26,756)
44,302
753,817
27,258
(3,029)
-
24,229
21,294
(8,050)
-
13,244
3,061
-
-
3,061
4,882
2,279
-
7,161
5,749
623
-
6,372
1,959
(190)
-
1,769
68,911
(8,367)
-
55,836
105,442
-
7,281
112,723
905,916
(35,123)
51,583
922,376

External - Official - Sensitive

7