ANNUAL REPORT AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2024
Parish of St. Philip, Tunbridge Wells
Registered charity number: 1163165
Parish of St. Philip, Tunbridge Wells
Reference and Administrative Information 2024
Office: Church Office
St Philip's Church Birken Rd Tunbridge Wells TN2 3TE
Vicar: The Revd, Richard Thomas The Vicarage Birken Road Tunbridge Wells TN2 3TE
Bankers: Lloyds TSB Bank PLC Mount Pleasant Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RP
Barclays Bank PLC 10 Calverley Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2UZ
Independent Examiner: Zachary Ramsden 63 Deakin Leas Tonbridge TN9 2JT Members of the PCC: The Revd Richard Thomas Vicar (Chairman) Mr Martyn Root Warden Mr Andrew Collins Warden Elected to Deanery Synod Mr Dennis Pearce (2023-26) Mrs Cathie Kitley (2023-26) Elected Members Mrs Sarah Farnes (2023-26) Mrs Heather Payne (2023-26) Mrs Ailsa Hemsley (2022-25) Mr Mike Hobden (2022-25) Mrs Morgan Senior (2022-25) Mrs Lynda Howlett (2024-27) Mrs Catherine Root (2024-27)
Co-opted Member Mrs Ailsa Hemsley Secretary from 3.4.22 Parish Administrator/ Mrs Emma Thompson Finance Officer/ Gift Aid Secretary
Parish Treasurer: Vacancy
Registered Charity number: 1163165
Website: www.stphilipstw.co.uk
Signed: RICHARD THOMAS on behalf of the PCC
Structure, Governance and Management
The Parish of St Philip, Tunbridge Wells was created with effect from 1 August 2004. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered as a charity under the Charities Act 2011. The function and purpose of the PCC is outlined in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.
Charities Law requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements the PCC have:
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selected suitable accounting policies and applied them consistently
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made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
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stated whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements and
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prepared the financial statements on the ongoing concern basis.
The PCC have overall responsibility for ensuring the charity has appropriate systems of control, financial and otherwise. They are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
It is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities and to provide reasonable assurance that:
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the charity is operating efficiently and effectively
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the assets are safeguarded against unauthorised use and disposition
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proper records are maintained and financial information used within the charity er for publication is reliable
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the charity complies with relevant laws and regulations.
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Roles. The APCM also appoints representatives to serve on the Deanery Synod. The names of those who have served on the PCC during the year are shown on Page 1. The APCM was held on 28[th] April 2024.
Several teams operated by the PCC meet between full meetings of the PCC.
The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. The Standing Committee has not formally met during the period of this report although has corresponded via email.
Other teams of the PCC oversee the worship and prayer life of the church, children & youth work, finance, buildings improvement, pastoral care and local outreach. The PCC is also represented on several Christian organisations and associations in the town.
Objectives and Activities
St Philip’s Church is located in the Sherwood district of Tunbridge Wells - an area designated as one of high social need.
When planning activities for the year, the vicar and PCC have considered the Chanty Commission’s guidance on public benefit in “The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit” and have regard to it in their administration of the Parish. The PCC believes that, by fulfilling its responsibility to work together with the vicar in the parish and co-operate in all matters of concern and importance for the promotion of the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social arid ecumenical, it provides a benefit to the public by:
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Providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers.
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Supporting the wider mission of the Church through both prayer and grants to mission work, charities, and Christian relief agencies.
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Promoting Christian values, and service by Church members in their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
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Providing community facilities in Church premises for groups to meet for social and educational purposes.
Safeguarding
The Council has complied with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).
We continue to be committed to establishing a culture of safeguarding that believes that keeping children and vulnerable adults safe is everyone’s responsibility and that we have strong systems in place to ensure that victims of historic abuse are able to seek help and support, and new concerns are dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
There have been four referrals made to the Parish Safeguarding Officer Catherine Root this year with Diocesan advice being sought on two occasions and appropriate action being taken. Thank you to the Church community for your vigilance and support in this area.
Areas of focus this year have included:
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Continuation of ensuring that people on church teams have appropriate safeguarding training and have been DBS checked
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Continuation of ensuring that volunteers are recruited using the application form process
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Review of hirers’ safeguarding practices
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Use of the C of E dashboard tool to audit our safeguarding practice
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Revision of St Philips safeguarding policy
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Review and redesign of St Philip’s risk assessment template with ongoing review and updating of this for all St Philip’s activities.
In all its activities the PCC depends upon Church members who give freely of their time and talents to help achieve its mission. This resource cannot be quantified in monetary terms and is not included in the accounts.
Achievements and performance
The full PCC met six times during the year in person. Average attendance was 84%. Major decisions included approval of:
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a) Appointment of Emily Cheesman as the church Community Outreach worker
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b) Introduction of a ‘Let’s Practise English’ group for church and local non-native English speakers
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c) Establishment of a formal partnership with St Philip’s Theological College, Kongwa, Tanzania
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d) Publication of a range of policies relating to health & safety and safeguarding across the main church and the church larder
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e) The reappointment of Catherine Root as Parish Safeguarding Officer
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f) Presentation of the Church of England Living in Love and Faith resources
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g) Diocesan approval and tenders received in progress towards a partial roof replacement
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h) Reintroduction of an 8am service
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i) Purchase of chairs and an office photocopier
The average weekly attendance of adults and children at the 10am Sunday service during 2024 was 70 compared to 56 in 2023 and this includes substantial growth in the number of young people attending. The average attendance at the monthly 8am service introduced in 2024 is 11.
Although services have been conducted in person during 2024, the services have also been recorded for upload to the church website.
As of December 2024, there were 77 on the Church electoral roll, unchanged on the previous year.
Ailsa Hemsley PCC Secretary
Financial review
The Report of the PCC has been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP FRS102).
Reserves
The PCC reserves policy is that a level of freely available unrestricted general funds should be maintained equivalent to between three and six months' regular running costs which would be an amount of between £25k and £50k a year. At the end of 2024 the actual level of free reserves was £87k which is in excess of this level.
Financial risks
A financial appraisal of the parish funding showed that there would be a high impact on parish finances if some members' regular giving was reduced or ceased.
Income
Total income of £111k is higher than last year’s total income of £104k and this year as in 2023 there were grants received for the Community Larder.
Expenses
Expenses totalled £121k a significant reduction compared to £140k last year.
Transfers
The PCC sets aside funds for the maintenance of the Church as agreed with the Diocese under the quinquennial repair programme. £4k was transferred into the repair fund, the same as last year.
Funds
Overall the net movement of funds is a deficit of £10,611 resulting in net assets of £359k at the end of 2024 compared to £369k last year.
The general fund shows a deficit of £19,100 for the year leaving a balance of £87,826 to be carried forward as freely available reserves.
Other than Vicarage property fund, the major part of the Designated Fund includes £29,839 for church repair, £9k for Children’s worker and £9,217 for Community Outreach Larder project.
The balance on restricted funds stands at £nil.
Emma Thompson
Finance Officer
Parish of St Philip, Tunbridge Wells
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31st December 2024
| Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS from Donations and legacies 2 (a) Investment income 2 (b) Charitable activities 2 (c) Other trading activities 2 (d) TOTAL EXPENDITURE on Raising funds 3 (a) Charitable activities (I) Provision of Christian worship and ministry 3 (b i) (II) Support for the wider mission of the Church 3 (b ii) (III) Provision of community facilities 3 (b iii) TOTAL NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS in 2024 Balances brought forward from end of last year BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD 31st December 2024* |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ 53,698 16,233 69,931 2,333 - 2,333 11,560 - 11,560 27,019 - 27,019 2024 |
2023 Total £ 68,453 997 12,072 22,266 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 94,610 16,233 110,843 |
103,788 | ||
| - - - 80,042 15,333 95,375 2,782 - 2,782 22,397 900 23,297 |
- 102,592 3,643 34,029 |
||
| 105,221 16,233 121,454 |
140,264 | ||
| -10,611 - -10,611 369,301 - 369,301 |
-36,476 405,776 |
||
| 358,690 - 358,690 |
369,300 £ |
Parlsh of St Philip. Tunbrldge Wells BALANCE SHEET as at 31st December 2024 Note 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2023 Total Total FIXED ASSETS Tangible Flxed Assets 220.971 220.971 220,887 CURRENT ASSETS Deblors Short Term Deposits Cash at Bank & in Hand 2,598 77,393 61,417 2,598 77,393 61,417 2,936 36.061 113,566 10 141.408 141.408 152,563 LIABILITIES.. Amounts falling due within 1 year 11 3,689 3.689 4,149 NET CURRENT ASSETS 137,719 137,719 148,414 NET ASSETS 358 690 358 690 369,301 FUNDS General Designated Unrestrided 12 12 87,726 270.964 358,690 87.726 270,964 358,690 t06,826 262,475 369,301 Restricted 13 TOTAL FUNDS 358.690 358 690 11 369.301 Signed on behalf of tha PCC Page 7
Parish of St Philip, Tunbridge Wells
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31st December 2024
| 2 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS 2 (a) Donations and legacies Charities Aid Foundation donations Tax recoveries Other planned giving Plate collections at services Grants/Restricted/Designated donations Legacies All other giving 2 (b) Investment income Interest 2 (c) Charitable activities Community outreach Clergy fees 2 (d) Other activities Rentals Other income TOTAL |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ 7,300 7,300 6,969 6,969 37,008 1,500 38,508 2,421 2,421 - 14,733 14,733 - - - - 53,698 16,233 69,931 2,333 - 2,333 10,673 10,673 887 887 11,560 - 11,560 26,603 - 26,603 416 - 416 27,019 - 27,019 94,610 16,233 110,843 2024 |
2023 Total £ 6,060 7,876 39,902 2,427 12,150 - 38 68,453 997 11,396 676 12,072 21,574 692 22,266 103,788 |
|---|---|---|
Parish of St Philip, Tunbridge Wells NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31st December 2024
| 3 EXPENDITURE 3 (a) Planned giving scheme expenses 3 (b) Charitable activities (i) Provision of Christian worship and ministry Diocese "offer" Clergy expenses & housing costs Services & fellowship Adult work Youth & childrens' work Training and development Outreach and publicity Community outreach costs Subscriptions & sundry Church & premises costs_(note 4) Management and administration(note_ 5) (ii) Support for the wider mission of the Church Grants and outward giving_(note 14) (iii) Provision of community facilities Church & premises costs(note 4) Management and administration(note_ 5) TOTAL |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ - - 2024 |
2023 Total £ - |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 33,000 33,000 4,310 4,310 1,425 1,425 783 783 2,019 2,019 - - 208 208 6,184 14,733 20,917 1,772 1,772 13,699 600 14,299 16,642 16,642 |
30,000 4,724 838 1,484 4,000 - 110 25,147 1,542 21,722 13,025 |
||
| 80,042 15,333 95,374 |
102,592 | ||
| 2,782 2,782 |
3,643 | ||
| 20,548 900 21,448 1,849 1,849 |
32,582 1,447 |
||
| 22,397 900 23,297 |
34,029 | ||
| 105,221 16,233 121,453 |
140,264 |
Parish of St Philip, Tunbridge Wells
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31st December 2024
| 4 CHURCH AND PREMISES COSTS Insurance Water rates Gas and electricity Cleaning Maintenance & repairs Equipment maintenance & renewal Depreciation allocated to activities in proportion to usage Provision of Christian worship and ministry_- 40% Provision of community facilities - 60% 5 MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION Salaries Stationery & postage Telephone Office computer and software Office equipment hire & maintenance Website maintenance Other administrative costs Professional fees _allocated to activities in proportion to Administrator's time spent Provision of Christian worship and ministry (90%) Provision of community facilities_(10%)_ Total 6 STAFF COSTS |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds £ £ 1,728 - 1,274 - 6,148 - 5,867 - 14,190 - 3,736 1,500 1,304 - 2024 |
Total £ 1,728 1,274 6,148 5,867 14,190 5,236 1,304 |
|---|---|---|
| 34,247 1,500 |
35,747 | |
| 13,699 600 20,548 900 |
14,299 21,448 |
|
| 34,247 1,500 |
35,747 | |
| 14,553 - 450 - 1,053 - 755 - - - 345 - - - 1,335 - |
14,553 450 1,053 755 - 345 - 1,335 |
|
| 18,491 - |
18,491 | |
| 16,642 - 1,849 - |
16,642 1,849 |
|
| 18,491 - |
18,491 | |
| 2024 20,403 |
During 2024 the PCC employed an office administrator, a cleaner, and a community outreach worker, all on a part-time basis.
No employees earned over £60,000.
None of the PCC members have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from the charity (2023 - none).
No payment other than for reimbursed expenses were made to PCC members (2023 - none). There have been no transactions with persons or entities that are closely connected to the charity or the PCC members (2023 - none).
Parish of St Philip, Tunbridge Wells
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31st December 2024
7 FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC
Land and Buildings
As set out in Note 1 to these accounts, the PCC is not obliged under the requirements of the Charities SORP to allocate any value to consecrated buildings. St Philip’s Church is an unconsecrated building, but due to its special nature no market valuation can be readily determined.
The Parish has a 60.56% legal interest in the vicarage known as St Philip’s Vicarage. The share of the vicarage owned by the PCC is included at a market value assessed by the PCC in March 2008 following consultation with
the Diocese. The PCC have reviewed the value of the property at 31 December 2024 and consider the carrying value to be the same as the initial value in March 2008 in light of the fluctuations in the UK property market.
Land and building Valuation
| At 31st Dec. 2023 At 31st Dec. 2024 Equipment Cost at 31st Dec. 2023 Additions in the year Cost at 31st Dec. 2023 Depreciation at 31.12.23 Deprecation in the year Depreciation at 31st Dec. 2024 Net book value At 31st Dec. 2023 At 31st Dec. 2024 |
£ 218,016 |
|---|---|
| 218,016 | |
| 3,828 1,388 |
|
| 5,216 | |
| 957 1,304 |
|
| 2,261 | |
| 220,887 | |
| 220,971 |
| 8 DEBTORS Tax recoverable Other debtors 9 SHORT TERM DEPOSITS Diocesan Loans Fund Diocesan Church Repair Fund 10 CASH AT BANK & IN HAND Lloyds Bank Barclays Bank Cash in hand 11 LIABILITIES Sundry creditors and accruals |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ 1,881 - 1,881 717 - 717 2024 |
2023 Total £ 1,996 940 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,598 - 2,598 |
2,936 | |||
| 46,591 - 46,591 30,802 - 30,802 |
10,221 25,840 |
|||
| 77,393 - 77,393 |
36,061 | |||
| 47,206 - 47,206 14,046 14,046 165 165 |
74,123 39,322 121 |
|||
| 61,417 - 61,417 |
113,566 | |||
| 3,689 3,689 |
4,149 | |||
| 3,689 - 3,689 |
4,149 |
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31st December 2024
| 12 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS General Fund(page 15) Designated Funds Vicarage Property Fund Community outreach Church Repair Fund Vicar's Discretionary Fund Children and Families Worker Support Fund Total Designated Funds Total unrestricted funds 13 RESTRICTED FUNDS Chair fund Larder grants Total Funds |
At 1/1/24 Income Expenditure Transfers At 31/12/24 £ £ £ £ £ 106,826 83,937 -99,037 -4,000 87,726 218,016 218,016 9,217 10,673 -6,184 13,706 25,839 4,000 29,839 403 403 9,000 9,000 262,475 10,673 -6,184 4,000 270,964 |
|---|---|
| 369,301 94,610 -105,221 - 358,690 |
|
| - 1,500 -1,500 - - 14,733 -14,733 - |
|
| - 16,233 -16,233 - - |
|
| 369,301 110,843 -121,454 - 358,690 |
DESCRIPTION OF FUNDS
The General Fund represents the funds available to the PCC for the day to day running of the church and the parish.
The Vicarage Property Fund represents the PCC's proportionate share of the freehold value of the Vicarage.
The Church Repair Fund represents the funds held with the Diocese set aside for future quinquenial repairs.
The Renovation Fund has been established to set money aside for making the church premises more welcoming by improving signage, foyer environment and provision of information.
Vicar's Discretionary Fund is set aside for assistance to parishioners at the confidential discretion of the vicar.
The Children and Family Worker Support Fund has been set up to enable a medium term employment commitment to be made for a part-time family worker in the parish.
Other designated asset funds represent monies given to the PCC towards projects or one-off items of expenditure which otherwise would have been funded from the general fund.
Associated Organisations show the movements of the funds held for or by the various bodies belonging to the parish fellowship.
Restricted Funds represent funds given for specific purposes and cannot be used by the PCC for any other
Parish of St Philip Tunbrldge Wells
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31st December 2024
14. GRANTS/OUTWARD GIVING
| 14. GRANTS/OUTWARD GIVING | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Overseas relief and development agencies Magunda Care Centre Kisumu Children Trust UNICEF Christian Aid Mpapwa Fund STPC Tanzania 2. Home mission and other charitable giving Life and Soul Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ Temple Grove School Aspens Hospice in the Weald Churches for Tunbridge Wells Hope House Gifts to individuals Change in Mission tithe creditor Totals* |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ 2024 |
2023 Total £ |
|
| 235 235 - - - 1,000 1,000 600 600 500 500 - - - - - 500 500 120 120 -173 -173 |
400 400 360 270 - - 400 400 275 175 175 25 - 370 393 |
||
| 2,782 - 2,782 | 3,643 |
PROFORMA GENERAL ACCOUNT for the year ended 31st December 2024
| INCOME Envelopes & direct to bank Charities Aid Foundation donations Tax recoveries Plate & other donations Legacies Fees, hirings & other income TOTAL INCOMEper accounts_(page 13) EXPENDITURE & OUTGOINGS Diocese "offer" Clergy and other expenses Church running costs including repairs Mission Tithe allocation TOTAL EXPENDITURE(page 13) Transfer to Repairs Fund Transfer from other funds TOTAL OUTGOINGS SURPLUS FOR YEAR Balance brought forward Balance carried forward (pages 7/13)_ |
2024 37,008 7,300 6,969 2,421 - 30,239 |
2023 39,540 6,060 7,876 2,427 - 23,661 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 83,937 33,000 16,701 46,554 2,782 |
79,564 30,000 22,980 49,296 3,643 |
||
| 99,037 4,000 - 103,037 |
105,919 4,000 -4,976 104,943 |
||
| -19,100 106,826 |
-25,379 132,205 |
||
| 87,726 | 106,826 |
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the
Parochial Church Council of of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Philip Tunbridge Wells
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 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 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did 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.
Signed: Zachary Ramsden
Name: Zachary Ramsden FCA Chartered Accountant 63 Deakin Leas, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2JT Date: 6[th] April 2025