The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter, Colchester
## **Annual Report and Financial Statements 2025**
for the year ended 31 December 2025
including the Independent Examiner’s Report
Registered Charity No. 1163262
## **PCC Members’ (Trustees’) Annual Report**
## **The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter, Colchester**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
The members of the Parochial Church Council (“PCC”) are trustees for the purposes of charity law. The trustees present their annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025. This report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
## **1. Reference and administrative details**
Charity name: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter, Colchester Charity registration number: 1163262
Principal office / correspondence address: c/o The Vicarage, Balkerne Close, Colchester CO1 1NZ Independent Examiner: Peter Wigglesworth
Bankers: Santander (current account) and CCLA Investments (deposit account)
## **PCC members (trustees) serving during the year ended 31 December 2025**
In accordance with the Church Representation Rules, members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (“APCM”). The following served as members of the PCC during 2025, and were therefore trustees for the purposes of charity law.
## **Ex officio**
- Vicar and Chair of the PCC — Revd Mark Wallace
- Churchwardens — Mr Trevor Froude; Mr John Hartwell
- Deanery Synod Representatives — Mr Duncan Breckels; Mrs Wendy Whitfield
## **Elected PCC members serving during 2025 up to and including the 2025 AMP/APCM**
Mr Ed Bradley; Mrs Chris Gray; Mrs Anne Kavanagh; Dr Mick Kavanagh; Mrs Ann Larkin; Mr Richard Lawn; Mr Brian New; Dr Dan Watts. One casual vacancy remained during this period.
## **Elected PCC members serving following the 2025 AMP/APCM**
Mr Ed Bradley; Mrs Julia Howard; Dr Mick Kavanagh; Mrs Ann Larkin; Mr Richard Lawn; Mrs Annette Long; Mr Brian New. One vacancy remained immediately after the 2025 APCM. Mrs Chris Gray resigned from the PCC on 2 July 2025, after which two vacancies remained.
## **Subsequent appointments to fill casual vacancies during 2025**
Mr David Whittington; Mr Anthony Nwosu.
## **PCC officers during 2025**
Vice-Chair: Mr Trevor Froude
Secretary: Dr Mick Kavanagh
Treasurer: Mr Richard Lawn (to the 2025 APCM); Mr Ed Bradley (from the 2025 APCM)
## **Committees and other parish roles**
Standing Committee: Vicar, Churchwardens, Secretary, Treasurer
The PCC also worked during the year with other parish officers and volunteers in key roles, including:
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Anne Kavanagh (to the 2025 APCM); Mrs Clare Reid (from the 2025 APCM) Electoral Roll Officer: Mrs Clare Reid
These roles supported the work of the PCC during the year but were not, by virtue of those roles alone, members of the PCC or trustees. For the avoidance of doubt, the above list is the definitive record of trustees who served at any point during the financial year ended 31 December 2025.
## **2. Structure, governance and management**
## **Governing document**
The PCC is constituted under the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and operates in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
## **Governance arrangements and delegation**
The PCC is responsible for co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church—pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC conducts its business through formally minuted meetings, with a Standing Committee operating between PCC meetings under delegated authority and reporting to the PCC.
During 2025 the PCC strengthened its governance arrangements through the use of five governance groups to provide oversight and recommendations to the PCC: Buildings; Finance; HR and Remuneration; Risk and Compliance; and Safeguarding. By the second half of the year these groups were reporting into the PCC on matters including finance, staffing transitions, risk register development, compliance, safeguarding training, and building repair and redevelopment planning.
## **Trustee appointment, elections and changes during the year**
Members of the PCC are appointed ex officio or elected in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Elections take place at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners (for Churchwardens) and the APCM (for elected PCC members). Casual vacancies may be filled in-year as required.
During 2025 the PCC managed a number of governance changes, including the renewal of the Electoral Roll, the 2025 annual elections, and subsequent casual vacancy appointments. The trustees also addressed succession issues in key lay leadership roles, especially in relation to the Treasurer function and wider finance administration.
## **Financial governance and internal controls**
The PCC maintained financial oversight through regular reporting, budget monitoring, and the work of the Finance governance group. In October 2025 the PCC adopted an updated Finance Policy setting out responsibilities and controls, including bank reconciliation, expenditure approval thresholds, invoice and expenses procedures, and independent checking of vouchers against bank statements.
During the year the PCC also addressed treasury succession and began moving towards a broader finance-team model, recognising that the increasing scale and complexity of administration would be better supported by shared responsibilities.
## **Trustee capability, recruitment, conflicts and development**
Conflicts of interest are declared and recorded in PCC minutes. During 2025 the PCC identified areas where additional capability was needed, including financial administration, project management, hall bookings administration, stewardship support and payroll. The PCC therefore sought to broaden capability through recruitment, training and team-based working.
## **3. Objectives and activities**
## **Charitable purposes**
The PCC’s charitable purposes are the advancement of the Christian religion in accordance with the doctrines and practices of the Church of England, together with any associated charitable purposes.
## **Public benefit**
The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and consider that the PCC’s activities during 2025 were carried out for the public benefit in furtherance of its charitable purposes.
## **Principal activities during 2025**
- regular public worship, preaching, teaching and prayer
- discipleship and Christian formation through small groups, courses and ministry training
- pastoral care within the congregation and wider parish
- ministry among children, young people and families
- mission and community engagement, including heritage events, hall use and practical support for local people
- stewardship, maintenance and development planning for the church building and hall
- support for charitable and mission causes locally and beyond the parish
## **Volunteers**
The trustees are deeply grateful for the contribution of volunteers across the life of the church. St Peter’s depends on volunteers in worship, music and technology, children’s and youth ministry, Tiny Tots, hospitality, administration, safeguarding support, pastoral care, church cleaning and practical maintenance, governance, finance, hall hospitality, and seasonal events. By mid-2025 the church noted that around 35 volunteers were needed each Sunday alone across the main ministry teams. Additional volunteers also supported one-off and seasonal activities such as Messy Church, heritage open days, Ride & Stride, the Christmas concert, choir rehearsals, Christingle services, and other special events.
## **4. Achievements and performance**
This section summarises the trustees’ review of ministry and operational delivery during 2025.
## **4.1 Worship, prayer and congregational life**
The church maintained a regular pattern of Sunday worship and teaching throughout the year, including communion services, morning services, musicians’ rehearsals, pre-service team prayer, and livestreaming for those unable to attend in person. The church also continued a monthly communion service at Freda Gunton Lodge.
Fortnightly church prayer meetings continued throughout the year, usually with both an in-person and online option. These meetings remained an important expression of the church’s dependence on God and provided a regular rhythm of shared prayer for church life, mission and pastoral needs.
The church marked the seasons of Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Advent and Christmas with special services and teaching emphases. Easter and Christmas provided significant opportunities for invitation, hospitality and gospel witness. The trustees record particular encouragement from the Advent and Christmas period, when attendance exceeded the prior year and the church ran two Christingle services in response to demand. Around 100 people attended the 3pm Christingle and around 75 the 5pm Christingle, with encouraging attendance by families, including those connected to Tiny Tots and local school links. Across the wider Advent and Christmas period, the church welcomed over 400 attendances across its seasonal services and events, underlining both the importance of these occasions in the church’s worshipping life and their value as opportunities for invitation, hospitality and witness.
PCC reporting late in the year also noted encouraging Sunday attendance, with recent services exceeding 100 attendees.
## **4.2 Discipleship and evangelism**
The PCC continued to prioritise Christian formation and opportunities for people to explore the faith. Throughout the year this included Bible study groups, prayer meetings, Lent and Advent resources, and courses such as Hope Explored, Christianity Explored and the 3-2-1 course. These offered accessible pathways both for those growing in Christian discipleship and for those exploring the claims of Christ.
In late 2025 the PCC recorded a Christianity Explored group comprising eight young people engaging with the Christian faith. The church also looked ahead to Hope Explored in early 2026 as a further evangelistic opportunity. The church also developed the Jericho Road Group, intended not only for Bible study and prayer but also to encourage practical neighbour-love and service.
## **4.3 Pastoral care**
During 2025 the PCC continued to provide pastoral care through clergy and lay support, recognising both the needs within the congregation and wider parish and the importance of visible Christian care. Coffee and Chat gatherings, pastoral contact, funeral and memorial ministry, prayer support and residential-home services all formed part of this ministry.
In September 2025 the church commissioned Anne Kavanagh as a volunteer Pastoral Assistant. The trustees record this as a significant encouragement in developing lay pastoral support.
## **4.4 Children, youth and families**
Children’s and youth ministry remained a significant priority during 2025. The church continued St Peter’s Kids, Tiny Tots, Ignite and other age-specific ministry, together with holiday-club provision and special events. The church also supported young people through bursaries for Contagious.
During the year the church strengthened systems around children’s ministry, including safer registration arrangements, revised age-group structures from September, and ongoing support for adult-to-child ratios. It also invested in volunteer training for those involved in SPK and Tiny Tots.
The trustees are particularly grateful for the many volunteers who sustained these ministries week by week.
## **4.5 Mission and community engagement**
St Peter’s sought to serve and engage the wider community in several ways during 2025. These included Jericho Road Lunch, Coffee and Chat, practical hospitality, public-facing services, and a range of invitational and seasonal events. The church also used key Sundays and events as opportunities for outreach and invitation, including Back to Church Sunday, Harvest Festival, Heritage Open Days, and Advent and Christmas services. These occasions helped welcome visitors, re-engage those with looser connections to church, and create opportunities for conversation and witness. The trustees were also encouraged by the Christmas concert, which served both as a community event and as a fundraising opportunity.
## **4.6 Community use of premises**
Hall bookings developed further during 2025, both as a useful income stream and as an expression of community benefit. Hirers and users included community organisations, church-related groups, and, later in the year, Colchester Foodbank through use of the hall. Earlier in the year the PCC also considered the value of hall use by community groups as part of its wider grant and public-benefit narrative.
The trustees also note that the church building was used for events beyond ordinary Sunday activity, including school and seasonal events, and was increasingly seen as a valued community space.
During November and December 2025, Colchester Foodbank used the hall and paid £1,393.68 for the hire period. This also marked the beginning of a more regular city-centre satellite use of the premises, strengthening St Peter’s role as a practical point of service and support within the local community.
## **4.7 Safeguarding**
The PCC is committed to safeguarding and to providing a safe environment for all. Safer recruitment processes, recordkeeping and administration continued through ChurchSuite-related systems and local oversight. The PCC approved the Safeguarding Policy during the year and continued work on the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard and training compliance.
The year also included safeguarding team meetings, safeguarding clinics, reminders regarding training renewal, and a continued emphasis on safer recruitment and practical compliance. The Parish Safeguarding Officer reported no current concerns in the late-2025 PCC reporting.
All PCC members are required to undertake safeguarding training appropriate to their role, in accordance with Church of England requirements and diocesan guidance.
Serious incident reporting (Charity Commission): No serious incidents arose during 2025 that required reporting to the Charity Commission.
## **4.8 Buildings, fabric, maintenance and redevelopment**
The PCC continued to steward a significant heritage asset and to balance immediate maintenance needs with longerterm redevelopment and repair planning. The trustees are aware that substantial roof and related works will be needed, and the church continued to build the information and governance needed to support major funding applications.
During 2025 the PCC commissioned professional work to investigate restoration and redevelopment priorities, including consultant input and, later, a drone survey to clarify the extent of roof works. The church also engaged with diocesan advisory and church buildings staff, who provided advice on project management, fundraising and next steps.
Heritage Open Days provided an additional opportunity to welcome visitors and demonstrate the building’s value as a local heritage and community asset. Ride & Stride and other events also contributed to the church’s building-related fundraising efforts.
## **4.9 Key mission & ministry indicators**
Average weekly attendance – 92 Electoral roll at year end – 77
Occasional offices – 4 baptisms, no weddings, no funerals
## **5. Financial review**
The trustees’ financial review reflects the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 and should be checked against the final signed accounts before approval.
## **5.1 Results for the year**
For the year ended 31 December 2025:
- Total income: £169,810
- Total expenditure: £134,988
- Net surplus before investment movements: £34,822
- Net movement in funds: £34,713
The net movement in funds reflects a small investment revaluation loss on endowment funds. Compared with 2024, the charity’s overall financial position improved materially during the year.
## **5.2 Sources of income and expenditure**
The PCC’s income was derived principally from voluntary income, supplemented by investment income, hall and other trading income, and other receipts.
Main income categories in 2025 were:
- Voluntary income: £155,883
- Church activities: £2,205
- Other trading activities: £4,974
- Investment income: £2,572
- Other income: £4,176
Main expenditure categories in 2025 were:
- Church activities: £131,217
- Missionary and charitable giving: £2,144
- Raising funds: £445
- Other expenditure: £1,182
The trustees note that management reporting during the year showed pressure on regular planned giving, but this was offset in 2025 by stronger one-off giving and other receipts. The trustees are grateful for the generosity of many supporters during the year.
## **5.3 Parish Share**
Parish Share was budgeted at £45,530 in 2025 and was paid in full. Looking ahead, the PCC agreed to pay the 2026 Parish Share as assessed, at £46,872.
## **5.4 Reserves policy and reserves position**
During 2025 the PCC adopted a reserves policy to target maintaining ‘free reserves’ (defined as unrestricted net current assets) of not less than 25% of annual budgeted expenditure, in order to support continuity of ministry and obligations, including staffing costs.
At 31 December 2025 the balance sheet showed:
- Free reserves: £50,931
- Unrestricted funds: £690,931
- Restricted funds: £18,033
- Endowment funds: £5,542
- Total funds: £714,506
During the year and as part of the implementation of the above reserves policy, the trustees reviewed the classification of certain funds in the prior year financial statements. This review identified that:
- Certain funds previously reported as restricted (the Fabric and Reserves funds) were funded by income that did not have an external restriction and should therefore be classified as unrestricted funds; and
- One fund previously included within unrestricted funds (the Bells fund) was subject to external restriction and should be classified as a restricted fund.
As a result, an adjustment has been made to the opening fund balances at 1 January 2025 to reflect the correct classification of these funds. The 2024 comparative figures have also been adjusted by the same amount. The net effect of this was to:
- decrease restricted funds by £9,241, and
- increase unrestricted funds by £9,241.
This adjustment relates solely to the classification of funds between restricted and unrestricted categories and has no impact on the total net assets of the charity.
The restricted funds are held for the specific purposes for which the relevant income was given or otherwise restricted. The Bells Fund is restricted to works associated with the bell tower. The Ministry Support Fund is restricted towards the PCC’s funding of 0.5 FTE of the Vicar’s post. The Redevelopment Fund is restricted to the 2023 redevelopment works. The Restoration Fund is restricted to the imminent roof works.
Restricted funds as at 31 December 2025 consist of the following:
- Bells fund: £1,298
- Ministry support fund: £21,446
- Redevelopment fund: -£6,277
- Restoration fund: £1,566
## **5.5 Investments and assets**
At 31 December 2025 the PCC held:
- Tangible fixed assets: £640,000
- Investments: £5,542
- Debtors: £5,712
- Short-term deposits: £68,610
- Cash at bank and in hand: £11,065
- Creditors due within one year: £1,422
- Creditors due after more than one year: £15,000
The PCC’s investment holdings included deposit funds for capital security and the Sears Fund, which is invested in line with Church of England ethical investment considerations.
## **5.6 Fundraising and development finance**
During 2025 the PCC continued to develop its fundraising approach for urgent restoration and redevelopment needs. This included grant-readiness work, consultant support, Ride & Stride participation, and seasonal fundraising activity including the Christmas concert, which raised £1,350 towards restoration and redevelopment costs.
The trustees also considered major-fundraising pathways, including a possible National Lottery Heritage Fund application, and recognised that significant external funding would require robust governance, project management and volunteer support.
## **6. Risk management**
The trustees recognise their responsibility to identify and manage risks. During 2025 the PCC continued to develop its governance documentation, including a compliance checklist and a risk register, and worked on clarifying ownership of risks and mitigation actions.
The principal areas of risk considered by the trustees during the year included:
- financial sustainability, including pressure on planned giving and the need to maintain appropriate reserves
- dependence on key volunteers in some functions, including finance, administration and project management
- safeguarding compliance and training renewal
- buildings and premises risk, including roof and fabric repair requirements
- operational resilience in staffing and office transitions
- health, safety and security considerations for church premises and events
These risks were addressed through budget monitoring, governance-group reporting, policy updates, safeguarding oversight, succession planning, and the development of stronger internal systems. During the year the PCC also considered additional security and compliance matters relevant to places of worship and public gatherings.
## **7. Sustainability**
The trustees recognise that sustainability includes environmental, governance and social responsibility, and that for a church of St Peter’s size this should be approached in a proportionate and practical way.
## **Environmental matters**
During 2025 the PCC continued to consider how the stewardship of its church building and hall could be improved in a way that is responsible and sustainable. This included attention to maintenance, heating, repairs, and longer-term redevelopment planning. The church also communicated its improved local recycling arrangements to congregation, and sought to reduce waste where feasible.
## **Governance matters**
The strengthening of governance arrangements during 2025 formed an important part of the church’s sustainability as an organisation. The introduction of governance groups, continued work on the risk register and compliance checklist, treasury transition planning, and broader volunteer recruitment were all intended to support more resilient governance and better shared oversight.
## **Social matters**
St Peter’s sought to contribute positively to the social wellbeing of the parish and wider city through worship, pastoral ministry, family support, community hospitality, practical partnerships and use of its premises. During the year this was reflected in regular ministries such as Tiny Tots, Jericho Road Lunch and Coffee and Chat; practical partnerships including Foodbank use of the hall and support for Beacon House; community-facing hospitality during events such as the Council’s Soap Box Rally and Heritage Open Days; and efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion, including live translation support during services.
The trustees expect these themes to remain important in future planning.
## **8. Plans for future periods**
The trustees’ priorities moving into 2026 included:
- progressing major fabric and restoration planning, including professional assessments, permissions and external funding pathways
- following preparatory work undertaken in 2025, advancing a funding-ready project scope and programme, including pursuit of National Lottery Heritage Fund and other grant opportunities in 2026
- strengthening the volunteer and skills base needed for finance, project management and operational resilience
- continuing to consolidate governance-group oversight, risk management and compliance work
- sustaining and developing children’s, youth, discipleship and evangelistic ministries, including Hope Explored and other pathways for those exploring faith
- continuing community use of the hall and practical service partnerships, including Foodbank-related use and other community-facing activity
- maintaining the church’s pastoral, worshipping and missional life while supporting growth in the congregation and parish
The PCC planned the 2026 annual church meetings for Monday 18 May 2026.
## **9. Funds held as holding trustee on behalf of others**
The PCC did not hold any funds as holding trustee on behalf of others during 2025.
## **10. Approval**
This report was approved by the PCC on 11 May 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Signed:
Revd Mark David Wallace (Vicar, St Peter’s)
## **St Peter's Church Colchester**
## **Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**
## **Statement of Financial Activities**
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Note**
**Income**
Voluntary income
2(a)
Church activities
2(b)
Other trading activities
2(c)
Investments
2(d)
Other income
2(e)
**Total Income**
**Expenditure**
Church activities
3(a)
Missionary and charitable giving
3(b)
Raising funds
3(c)
Other
3(d)
**Total Expenditure**
Net income before transfers
Transfers between funds
Net income before investment gains/losses
Revaluation gains on investments
5(b)
**Net movement in funds**
Balances b/f 1st January
**Balances c/f 31 December**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
127,781
788
4,974
1,411
4,176
139,131
108,370
2,144
363
1,182
112,059
27,072
-
27,072
-
27,072
663,859
**690,931**|**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
28,102
-
1,417
-
-
-
1,161
-
-
-
30,680
-
22,848
-
-
-
82
-
-
-
22,929
-
7,751
-
-
-
7,751
-
-
(109)
7,751
(109)
10,283
5,651
**18,033**
**5,542**|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
155,883
2,205
4,974
2,572
4,176
169,810
131,217
2,144
445
1,182
134,988
34,822
-
34,822
(109)
34,713
679,792
**714,506**|**_Total_**
**_2024_**
**_£_**
_124,549_
_898_
_2,395_
_3,264_
_470_|
|||||_131,576_|
|||||_143,309_
_2,602_
_43_
_38_|
|||||_145,991_|
|||||_(14,415)_
_-_|
|||||_(14,415)_
_237_
_(14,177)_
_693,970_|
|||||**_679,792_**|
Page 1 of 7
## **St Peter's Church Colchester**
## **Balance Sheet at 31st December 2025**
|**Balance Sheet at 31st December 2025**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Note**
**Fixed Assets**
Tangible
5(a)
Investments
5(b)
**Total Fixed Assets**
**Current Assets**
Debtors
6
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
**Total Current Assets**
**Liabilities**
Creditors - due within 1 year
7
**Net Current Assets**
**Total Assets less Current Liabilities**
Creditors - due more than 1 year
8
**Net Assets**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
640,000
-
-
-
-
5,542
640,000
-
5,542
5,410
302
-
36,207
32,403
-
10,736
328
-
52,353
33,033
**-**
1,422
-
-
50,931
33,033
-
690,931
33,033
5,542
-
15,000
-
**690,931**
**18,033**
**5,542**
**Funds**
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
**Total**|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
640,000
5,542
645,542
5,712
68,610
11,065
85,386
1,422
83,964
729,506
15,000
**714,506**
690,931
18,033
5,542
**714,506**|**_Total_**
**_2024_**
**_£_**
_640,000_
_5,651_|
||||_645,651_|
||||_3,664_
_54,059_
_5,297_|
||||_63,020_|
||||_13,878_
_49,142_
_694,792_
_15,000_|
||||**_679,792_**|
||||_663,859_
_10,283_
_5,651_|
||||**_679,792_**|
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 11th May 2026, and signed on their behalf by:
**Rev Mark Wallace Ed Bradley Chairman PCC Treasurer**
The accompanying notes on pages 3 to 7 form part of these accounts.
Page 2 of 7
## **St Peter's Church Colchester**
## **Notes to the Financial Statements**
## **1 Accounting Policies**
The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities and applicable accounting standard FRS 102.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements 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, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
## **Fund accounting**
Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the PCC's discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place.
Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments that is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor, and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific PCC activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis.
Unrestricted funds are income funds that are to be spent on the PCC's general purposes.
## **Income**
Planned giving, collections and similar donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the income to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is entitled to the use of the income, their ultimate receipt is considered reasonably certain and the amounts due are readily quantifiable. Dividends are accounted for when declared receivable, interest as and when accrued by the payer. All income is accounted for gross.
## **Expenditure**
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when paid, either directly to the diocese, or via the CEEC Ephesian Fund. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.
## **Fixed assets**
Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.
Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no individual item has cost more than £2,000 so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred.
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the anticipated life of that item. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £2,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.
Page 3 of 7
## **2 Income**
|**Note**
**2(a) Voluntary Income**
Planned giving
Collections at services
Gift Days
Grants:
- Laing Family Trusts redevelopment
- Colchester City Council Section 106
- Listed places of worship VAT recovery
- Friends of Essex Churches Ride & Stride
- Colchester Churches Charitable Trust
Donations
Legacies
Gift Aid recovered
**2(b) Church Activities**
Fees for weddings and funerals
Tiny Tots
Christmas concert
**2(c) Other Trading Activities**
Church hire
Hall hire
**2(d) Income from Investments**
Bank and CCLA Deposit Fund interest
Sears fund income
**2(e) Other Income**
Insurance claim
SMP
Ride & Stride sponsorship
Prepayments
Rounding error from 2024
**Total Income**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
57,488
5,350
-
-
-
-
572
2,000
50,143
-
12,230
127,781
-
788
-
788
250
4,724
4,974
1,373
39
1,411
-
2,785
1,143
248
0
4,176
139,131|**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
1,510
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,087
-
-
-
-
-
22,345
-
-
-
3,160
-
28,102
-
-
-
-
-
1,417
-
1,417
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,161
-
-
-
1,161
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
30,680
-|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
58,998
5,350
-
-
-
1,087
572
2,000
72,488
-
15,390
155,883
-
788
1,417
2,205
250
4,724
4,974
2,533
39
2,572
-
2,785
1,143
248
0
4,176
169,810|**_Total_**
**_2024_**
**_£_**
_53,493_
_3,988_
_4,424_
_5,000_
_5,087_
_1,540_
_-_
_-_
_20,844_
_19,975_
_10,200_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_124,549_|
|||||_248_
_650_
_-_|
|||||_898_|
|||||_-_
_2,395_|
|||||_2,395_|
|||||_3,226_
_38_|
|||||_3,264_|
|||||_470_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_|
|||||_470_|
||||||
|||||_131,576_|
Page 4 of 7
## **3 Expenditure**
|**Note**
**3(a) Church Activities**
Parish Share
Clergy and staffing costs
4
Church running costs and maintenance
Hall running costs and maintenance
Vicarage repairs and improvement
Loan repayment
Diocesan fees for weddings and funerals
Bank charges
Printing and stationery
Ministry costs
Organ & music
Books and course materials
Children's work
Audit
Catering
Training
Website and email
Leaving gifts
Major building work
Birch Hall Adventure
**3(b) Missionary and Charitable Giving**
Beacon House
Bridgeway
Clergy Support Trust
Compassion UK
GAFCON
Samaritan's Purse
Simeon's Trustees
The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund
**3(c) Fundraising**
Card and digital payment fees
Concert expenses
Card reader SIM card
**3(d) Other Expenditure**
Sears Fund income distribution
Ride & Stride sponsorship
**Total expenditure**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
45,530
27,900
20,774
5,668
308
-
-
10
1,511
1,300
1,000
381
504
420
1,666
20
877
-
-
500
108,370
520
25
106
920
86
162
225
100
2,144
247
-
115
363
39
1,143
1,182
**112,059**|**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
-
-
19,292
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,499
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,057
-
-
-
22,848
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
82
-
-
-
82
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
**22,929**
**-**|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
45,530
47,192
20,774
5,668
308
-
-
10
1,511
2,799
1,000
381
504
420
1,666
20
877
-
2,057
500
131,217
520
25
106
920
86
162
225
100
2,144
247
82
115
445
39
1,143
1,182
**134,988**|**_Total_**
**_2024_**
**_£_**
_44,664_
_35,284_
_26,335_
_19,684_
_-_
_5,000_
_228_
_-_
_3,632_
_2,234_
_902_
_338_
_759_
_975_
_2,047_
_-_
_832_
_722_
_(327)_
_-_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_143,309_|
|||||_272_
_272_
_100_
_1,200_
_-_
_448_
_210_
_100_|
|||||_2,602_|
|||||_43_
_-_
_-_|
|||||_43_|
|||||_38_
_-_|
|||||_38_|
||||||
|||||**_145,991_**|
Page 5 of 7
|**4**
**Staff Costs**
Wages and Salaries
Income tax and Social Security costs
Pensions - NEST pensions
Pensions - CEFPS via the Diocese
Average number of paid staff|**2025**
**£**
40,975
4,774
1,349
3,203
50,300
3|**_2024_**
**_£_**
_27,609_
_3,853_
_422_
_3,400_|
|---|---|---|
|||_35,284_|
|||_3_|
CEFPS is the Church of England Funded Pension Scheme. Rev Wallace's penson contributions for his employment by the PCC are made on our behalf to CEFPS by the Diocese, and the PCC reimburse the Diocese.
During 2025 the PCC employed no staff earning £60,000 or more No employee benefits were received by any staff
Salaries paid in 2025 to members of staff having a connection to the PCC:
Rev Mark Wallace (PCC chairman) £13,697 Mrs Elizabeth Wallace (wife of PCC chairman) £13,699
## **5 Fixed Assets**
**5(a) Tangible Fixed Assets**
|**Cost or Valuation**
At 1 January 2025
At 31st December 2025
**Depreciation**
At 1 January 2025
At 31st December 2025
**Net book value**
At 1 January 2025
At 31st December 2025|640,000
640,000
-
-
640,000
640,000
Freehold land
and buildings|Total
640,000|
|---|---|---|
|||640,000|
|||-|
|||-|
|||640,000|
|||640,000|
The freehold land and buildings comprise the church hall on North Hill, Colchester. For accounting purposes the historical cost of this property is unknown and was valued in August 2011 for insurance purposes at £640,000.
## **5(b) Investments**
Our investments comprise the Sears Fund, which is a trust in two parts.
£400 is invested for growth, with interest available to use if needed, and £400 is invested with the interest to be used for the poor and needy of the parish, at the Vicar's discretion.
The fund is held in the Church of England Investment Fund Income Shares
|Value at 1st January 2025
Additions
Revaluation
Disposals
Value at 31st December 2025|**£**
5,651
-
(109)
-|
|---|---|
||5,542|
Page 6 of 7
## **6 Debtors**
|Gift aid recoverable
CCLA Deposit account interest
Insurance claim
Listed places of worship VAT recovery
HMRC PAYE
Donations
Prepayments
Hall hire
**7**
**Creditors due within 1 year**
Energy usage December
Gasway - hall heating repairs
The Glazing Division - hall skylight
Christmas appeal for Beacon House
Bakers - redevelopment retention
The Good Book Company - Advent books
Stripe - transaction fees
Staff expenses
Samaritan's purse - shoebox donations
Accounts audit
**8**
**Creditors due more than 1 year**
Redevelopment fund loan - due 2033
(interest-free)
**9**
**Funds**
**Balance**
**B/F**
**£**
**Unrestricted funds**
General
670,850
**Designated funds**
Hall
(17,476)
Fabric
6,143
Reserve
4,342
**Restricted funds**
Bells
1,244
Ministry Support
14,739
Redevelopment
(5,700)
Restoration
-
**Endowment funds**
Sears
5,651
**Total Funds**
**679,792**|**2025**
**_2024_**
**£**
**_£_**
1,047
_992_
644
_662_
-
_470_
-
_1,540_
2,785
_-_
26
_-_
248
_-_
962
_-_
5,712
_3,664_
**2025**
**_2024_**
**£**
**_£_**
431
_326_
-
_7,885_
-
_180_
365
_544_
-
_4,673_
-
_270_
29
_-_
276
_-_
100
_-_
220
_-_
1,422
_13,878_
**2025**
**_2024_**
**£**
**_£_**
15,000
_15,000_
15,000
_15,000_
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**£**
**£**
128,227
105,256
10,863
(3,722)
143
6,285
143
4,485
54
-
27,498
20,791
1,480
2,057
1,647
82
-
-
**170,055**
**135,233**|**Transfers**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
**-**|**Gain on**
**Investments**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(109)
**(109)**|**Balance**
**C/F**
**£**
693,821
(2,891)
-
-
1,298
21,446
(6,277)
1,566
5,542|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**714,506**|
Page 7 of 7
## **Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of St Peter’s Church, Colchester**
I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31[st] December 2025, which are set out on the attached pages.
## **Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner**
The PCC 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
- Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- Follow procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement.**
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 the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an opinion on the accounts.
## **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
- to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or
- to prepare accounts, which accord with these accounting records 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.
Signed:
Date: 3May2026
Peter Wigglesworth 41 Albany Road Crawley RH11 7BY