St Nicholas’ Church, Burton Financial Statements and Trustees’ Annual Report 2020
Registered Charity 1184831
ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
INDEX
| - | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT | Page | 3-11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT | Page | 12 |
| - | RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS | Page | 13-15 |
| - | STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | Page | 15 |
| - | NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS | Page | 16-17 |
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
Reference and Administration Details
Charity Name: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Nicholas’ Church Burton-in-Wirral
Charity Reg. No. 1184831 Principal Address: The Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, Burton, Neston. CH64 5TJ
Name
Office (if any) & Elected Member
Catherine Helm Vicar, Chair of PCC and Trustee Nigel Griffiths Churchwarden and Trustee Gian Abbott Churchwarden and Trustee Bryan Blakeman Hon. Treasurer and Trustee John Vinson Hon. Secretary and Trustee Tony Carter Deputy Churchwarden and Trustee John Morris-Best Lay Reader and Trustee Ivor Thomas Safeguarding Officer and Trustee Ruth Chesworth Deanery Synod Representative and Trustee Amanda Ankers Trustee Linda Jones Trustee Ron Curnow Trustee Robin Cowan Trustee Barrie Marsh Trustee - appointed 17 October 2020 Philip Hillman Trustee - appointed 17 October 2020 Molly Ankers None - appointed 17 October 2020 Jessica Mackie Trustee - resigned 17 October 2020 Barbara Morris Trustee - resigned 17 October 2020 Ann Warr Verger and Trustee - resigned 17 October 2020
STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is constituted and governed by the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended and the Church Representation Rules 2006.
The method of appointing members of the PCC is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll.
The PCC ensures compliance with laws and regulations by acting on advice received from Chester Diocesan Board of Finance, information and updates received from the Charities Commission, advice and guidance received from professional advisers e.g. Independent Examiner, attendance at courses and seminars relating to matters affecting compliance and by acting on information and specific directives issued direct to clergy. In 2020 the function of the PCC has been affected by issues arising from the Coronavirus pandemic and complied with all guidance and advice it received.
Standing Committee
Rev. Catherine Helm, Gian Abbott, Nigel Griffiths, Bryan Blakeman, John Vinson
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Objectives and Activities
The objectives and activities of the PCC are to assist the Vicar in promoting the parish and the mission of the church as well as the holding of regular services and the maintenance of the fabric of the church building and its environs.
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives.
Church Services - Weekly
Sundays 8.45am Holy Communion 10.00am Morning Worship Wednesdays 10.15am Holy Communion
Church Services - Monthly
1[st] Sunday 6.30pm Evensong 1[st] Monday 11.30am Holy Communion - Sports & Social Club Messy Church ( As Announced) For children & adults during school term time
Covid-19
Throughout 2020 church services were subject to changes and interruption due to issues arising from the Coronavirus pandemic. During this time services were either replaced, supplemented or augmented by meetings delivered online.
Visitors
The church is normally open all year round, seven days a week during daylight hours.
When the church building is open visitors are provided with the opportunity for private prayer. They are also encouraged to sit and reflect and to view the historic building. Visitors to the parish have the opportunity to take away information relating to St Nicholas’ Church which has been a place of worship for many centuries and to learn about the church’s current activities and opportunities for worship.
Activities
A short report on each of the activities undertaken by the church is included with this Trustees’ Report.
Church Finances
The PCC continues to exercise responsible stewardship of funds placed at its disposal.
The PCC wishes to place on record its grateful thanks to all those who support the church financially and in particular to thank those who donate regularly through planned giving, those who support the maintenance of the church building and churchyard through the Friends of St Nicholas’ Church, those who have made single sum donations during the year and those who contribute in so many ways to the upkeep and preservation of the church.
Overall, church finances remain finely balanced. Regular income has shown a decline in recent years while expenditure on church running costs and ministry has risen.
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Full details of St Nicholas’ Church finances relating to 2020 are explained in the finance and accounts section of the Trustees’ Annual report on pages 12 to 17.
Throughout the year the PCC continued to challenge all aspects of regular expenditure in order to ensure funds were deployed efficiently and responsibly and that value for money was achieved.
Expenditure on projects is always subject to rigorous cost control, quotation and tendering to ensure that work is undertaken within budget as agreed and formally approved by PCC members.
Reserves
The trustees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately three months of unrestricted charitable expenditure.
Church Architect
The church’s architect is Stephen Quicke of FSP Northern Architects Ltd., 41 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, Wirral.
Independent Examiner
The services of Phillip Bates and Co. Ltd are retained for the purpose of providing an Independent Examination of the church accounts.
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
PCC REPORT
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at the church and to become part of the Parish Community.
A key objective for the PCC is to continue to attract and welcome both current and new members and to provide ministry, opportunities for worship and other church activities for the next generation of church members and to provide the opportunity for them to become the stewards of the future.
The PCC met twice during 2020, in January in the vestry and in December via Zoom.
Throughout the year the PCC responded to the advice and regulations issued by the government and the Church of England regarding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Adherence to the regulations had a major impact on church life. Risk analysis for the opening of the church for services or private prayer was carried out by the Churchwardens and the Vicar. Appropriate safety measures were proposed by the Standing Committee and approved by the PCC prior to implementation.
No safeguarding issues were reported to the Safeguarding Officer or other members of the PCC during the year.
CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT
2020 was a very unusual year for the Church and Parish because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In March the whole country was placed in lockdown and church services stopped. Services resumed, with strict social distancing and other restrictions, after lockdown ended. The social distancing restricted church attendance to a maximum number of 24 people. Lockdown was resumed in November and the church was closed again. Private prayer was available in the church at set times and with similar restrictions put in place in late Summer and during the November lockdown.
During various difficult times in 2020 Zoom services were deployed for those able to utilise the technology, together with service sheets distributed via post and email to maintain the church’s contact with people and to promote Christian worship and fellowship. This offered support to parishioners who were also supporting each other by helping with essential shopping items, the collection of prescriptions and other health needs, as well as through prayer.
The local community was encouraged to make contributions in aid of Wirral Foodbank which enabled a special donation of £3,726 to be made to the charity. Blankets for the homeless were made by parishioners and subsequently distributed to those in need by church volunteers.
Zoom was also used for various church meetings and gatherings including one PCC meeting.
Towards the end of 2020 plans were laid for the resumption of church services and events once the virus recedes and circumstances permit such activities, with an emphasis on all the richness that church life is able to offer.
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
MANAGING RISK
The PCC is mindful of its responsibilities to manage and mitigate risks which could affect the running and operation of the church and the achievement of its objectives.
| Possible Risk Areas | Actions Taken |
|---|---|
| Governance: | |
| Lack of key skills | The PCC has identified PCC members and others with technical and |
| professional skills capable of supporting its key operations | |
| Budgetary constraints | Regular planned giving provides a stable income platform and expenditure on |
| major items is assessed and budgeted prior to costs being incurred | |
| Conflict of interests | PCC members are required to declare any potential conflicts of interest |
| Confidentiality issues | The PCC adheres to Data Protection legislation and all information relating to |
| church finances and donations is restricted to key individuals | |
| Loss of records | Church records are primarily held electronically by the Treasurer, Gift Aid |
| Secretary or Churchwardens and year end accounting information is also | |
| lodged with the Independent Examiner | |
| Operational Matters: | |
| Fire, flood and building | Assessments relating to all potential risks and other maintenance matters is |
| handled by a sub committee of the PCC (Maintenance Committee) with input | |
| from the Church Architect | |
| Health and safety | A Health and Safety Policy is in place and kept under review |
| Theft and vandalism | The PCC takes steps to safeguard its property by locking away valuables and |
| minimising exposure to risk as a result of theft and vandalism. The PCC also | |
| has insurance cover in respect of such risk through Trintas Insurance. | |
| Technology | Minimum use of technology is deployed onsite. The Vicar is provided with |
| access to technologyinorderto support communicationand churchservices | |
| Financial: | |
| Fraud | Online banking is utilised with Barclays and a passbook account is operated |
| with Skipton and transactions vetted. Churchwardens’ records and statements | |
| are checked by the treasurer and reconciled independently. Church cash | |
| donations are always counted by two people and banked promptly | |
| Parish Share demands | The PCC has taken steps to ensure that its Parish Share contribution remains |
| in line with what it is able to afford based on its ordinary income | |
| Loss of regular income | The potential loss of regular income remains a significant risk. Regular |
| promotion of planned giving amongst church members has continued to prove | |
| to be successful | |
| Gift Aid | The PCC continues to maximise opportunities to encourage donations to be |
| made under HMRC’s Gift Aid regulations | |
| Regulatory: | |
| Safeguarding | A Safeguarding Officer has been appointed and procedures have been |
| implemented to ensure safety for all and compliance with regulations | |
| Discrimination | The PCC promotes equal opportunity for all and ensures that access to every |
| aspects of church life is available to everyone irrespective of their | |
| circumstances | |
| Charity Commission | The church is registered with the Charity Commission and complies with its |
| regulations | |
| Diocese | The PCC seeks and receives advice from Chester Diocese and complies with |
| the guidanceissuedin respect of ministry andregulatory affairs |
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Renovation of the six tower bells, for which project funds had been raised in 2019 thanks to the generosity of parishioners, the Mill Wood Trust and other trusts, began in February, with the working parts of the bells being renovated or replaced at the works of Taylors in Loughborough. Their re-installation started in March, but could not be completed until lockdown rules were relaxed following the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly, owing to ongoing Covid-19 precautions, they could not thereafter be rung in peal; only a single bell at a time has been be rung.
Invasive ivy along the eastern wall of the churchyard was cleared back to the wall itself, revealing some previously concealed gravestones. New grass has been planted in its place. A similar exercise was continued along part of the northern wall between the churchyard and Church Wood.
The tower clock's weight having broken free and smashed earlier in the year, a specialist company, The Cumbria Clock Company were instructed to prepare a full report on the clock. The company’s report recommended a major overall if the clock is to continue to operate properly into the future, and an order was placed with them for its refurbishment, which will involve the clock being taken to their works in Penrith. This work is expected to start in the spring of 2021.
The Quinquennial Report, by church architect Steve Quicke, began in December, and identified a number of areas in need of attention. The report has been reviewed by the maintenance committee and submitted to the diocese. Most of the remedial tasks, repairs to the parapet and a crack in the sandstone, are typical of such inspections and the estimated cost is likely to be about £6,500. Half of this, repair of the gatepost at the top of the steps, may be reimbursed by the insurers.
The sandstone wall between the churchyard and Church Wood is collapsing because of pressure from tree roots. Some of the trees are old and all are in the conservation area. Any work on the trees will have to be approved by the County and Diocese. An arboriculturist is being consulted.
Minor maintenance works, and the upkeep of the churchyard, continued throughout lockdown.
EVENTS COMMITTEE REPORT
Two Coffee Mornings were held during the year. The first event took place on 21 January in the Sports and Social Club and the second event was held in Church on Shrove Tuesday in February. These events are held in aid of church project funds.
A Games Night was held in the Sports and Social Club on 1 February with games, pizzas and a competition with prizes. It was well attended by parents and children.
All other planned events then had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.
On Monday 28 September the Events Committee met in the Vicarage Garden.
On Sunday 4 October a short Harvest Festival Service was held in church with those attending asked to bring a vase of flowers to decorate the window sills.
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
The church participated in the Village Pumpkin Festival with pumpkin models of David and Goliath displayed at the bottom of the church steps.
For the ‘Time to Remember’ service to be held on Sunday 1 November, a large wooden cross was laid on the grass in the churchyard and people were invited to write the name of the person they wished to remember on a stone and place it on the cross.
The church was open for private prayer from 10.00am until 12 noon on Saturday 31 October to provide people with an opportunity to light a candle for those being remembered. The Time to Remember service was held on Sunday 1 November by invitation only.
As it was not possible to organise an Advent Windows celebration in 2020 with individual window displays, residents in Burton and Puddington were invited to consider displaying an angel in one of their windows which would be visible to passers-by.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S REPORT
Children’s Groups
The two groups, All Stars and TBY, continued to meet until the Covid-19 restrictions came into being.
It was recognised early in the pandemic that young people were becoming overwhelmed with online learning, online social activity and increased reliance on screen entertainment due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, in consultation with parents, it was agreed that the church would not place any additional online demands on children so there was no ‘virtual’ format for the groups. However, regular support and encouragement was maintained via social media and the use of WhatsApp Groups.
Messy Church
Messy Church continued to thrive prior to the outbreak of the pandemic with a consistent core of people planning and resourcing sessions. Messy Church at Home has been provided by the Vicar with teaching resources delivered to each Messy Church family. This also included Light Party activities at home. Parents of Messy Church children normally meet regularly for informal social evenings when restrictions allow.
Christmas Activities
The Christmas services and celebrations were managed creatively. The Vicar hosted Christmas Book at Bedtime and Carols Around the Christmas Tree via Zoom.
Family and Youth Worker
During the year further consideration was given to the possibility of recruiting and funding a youth worker and this matter remains under active consideration.
SAFEGUARDING OFFICER’S REPORT
During the course of the year and with the unanimous approval of the PCC, Ivor Thomas was appointed as the new Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO).
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
In implementing safeguarding policies and procedures the PCC adopted the safeguarding guidance promoted by the church’s House of Bishops’ policy, Promoting a Safer Church. This included the introduction of a parish safeguarding handbook. A hard copy of the book is available in the church porch along with the information poster, Promoting a Safer Church.
An updated Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement covering children, young people and vulnerable adults was agreed by the PCC during the year. The new policy was signed formally by the Vicar and two Churchwardens and a copy is displayed in the church porch. This policy will be reviewed annually.
All members of the PCC were briefed by the PSO on their safeguarding role and responsibilities. In the latter part of the year PCC members were encouraged to complete the Safeguarding Basic Awareness Training. As at the year end six PCC members had successfully completed the course with a further seven members committed to completing the course in early 2021. As at the year end one PCC member had also undertaken the Safeguarding Foundation Training course.
New policies covering safer recruiting and the recruitment of ex-offenders have been introduced along with a safeguarding checklist.
BURTON AND PUDDINGTON MOTHERS UNION REPORT
The Mothers Union held its Annual General meeting in February in church. Attendance was good. The 20 members present enjoyed the short service, presentations by the Secretary and Treasurer and a time of fellowship together. Unfortunately this was the only meeting held in 2020 as a result of Covid-19 restrictions. However, members did keep in touch with each other by telephone, text and email.
FSNC REPORT
Membership of the Friends of St Nicholas’ Church (FSNC) is open to all those who appreciate the presence of the historic church and ancient churchyard in Burton.
Regrettably, FSNC was not able to hold any of its planned fund-raising events in 2020. However, £3,190 was raised during the year through regular standing order donations and other small contributions from FSNC members to help support the upkeep and maintenance of the church building and its churchyard.
The first stone church in Burton was erected on the site of St Nicholas’ Church in 1086. However, the present church which will, according to the stonemason’s inscription over the door, be 300 years old in 2021.
DEANERY SYNOD REPORT
The Wirral South Deanery met on Thursday 5 March 2020, at All Saint's Parish Hall, Thornton Hough. The meeting was opened with prayer by the rural dean. The meeting was well attended with some apologies including that of our now late Hon. Secretary John Lewis, who died in August 2020. His service of at least 23 years as Secretary and also as Hon. Secretary of Wirral South Deanery was noted and our thoughts and prayers were directed towards John and his very loving family.
The Parish report was given by the Rector the Rev Vicky Barrett. The accounts were presented by the Treasurer Basil Keys, having been examined by Dr Elly MacBeath, and were accepted.
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
The Treasurer reported that the Deanery subscription which had remained at £60.00 per Parish had not been increased since 2005 and invited a discussion on an increase. It was a proposed and seconded to increase the subscription to £75.00 per year to allow for inflation etc. There were no objections raised by the members present.
The speaker the Rev Steve Clapham from Stoke on Trent arrived unwell. He spoke very briefly about 'Fresh Expressions and Churches Together'. Much of what he had to say was based on a book written by the Rev Alison Burton, a Baptist Minister. Much of what the Rev Clapham said revolved around the fact that the Church is no longer run by the Clergy. Today the church is run by all who are called to serve in it, in many and differing roles. The traditional church is continuing to change. To fill the gaps in his shortened talk, he recommended reading the Rev Alison Burton's book.
No other meetings were held in 2020.
OTHER CHURCH GROUPS
Other groups within which church members participate include:
Hardy Perennials Monthly lunch-time meetings at Pollards Inn at Willaston for people who live largely independently.
Music Group and Singers Musicians and singers who support church services.
Handbell Ringers A group of church members interested in learning the art of handbell ringing. The group has played at various local venues including nursing homes and community events. Church Bell Ringers The ringing of church bells in the tower for services, festivals, weddings and special occasions.
PARISH VOLUNTEERS
The PCC would like to record its thanks to all the volunteers who work so hard to make the church a lively and vibrant community in the Parish. St Nicholas’ Church is indebted to all members of the PCC, the churchwardens, members of the various subcommittees, each of the church groups and especially people who just turn up to help with the many tasks that are needed to be undertaken to make the church and its events function.
OUTWARD GIVING
St Nicholas’ Church supported several charitable organisations during the year including:
Abroad
Home Abroad Save the Family Bible Society Church Mission Society Wirral Churches Ark Project Church Pastoral Aid Society Melanesian Brothers Charles Thompson’s Mission Wirral Foodbank Mango Tree Chester Clergy Family Trust
Approved on behalf of the committee on 20 April 2021
Rev. CM Helm - Incumbent
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST NICHOLAS CHURCH BURTON
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Parochial Church Council of St Nicholas’ Church Burton for the year ended 31 December 2020, which are set out on pages 12 to 17.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trustee’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records.
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.
……………………………….
Janet Jones ACA Phillip Bates & Co Limited 1/3 Chester Road Neston CH64 9PA
Date: 7[th] May 2021
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Receipts and Payments Accounts 2020
| Receipts Voluntary Income Collections Envelopes Planned Giving Friends of St Nicholas' Income Interest Dividends Event Other Income Bld. Soc. Interest Tax Refund Shotwick Contribution Fees Magazine Income Sundry Income Special Donations Chester Diocese VAT Ref Insurance Total Receipts |
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted General Contingency Churchyard Fabric Total 2020 Total 2019 Funds Fund Fund Fund 2,743.87 2,743.87 3,370.49 3,102.00 3,102.00 7,033.00 53,628.00 53,628.00 49,650.00 3,190.00 3,190.00 6,132.42 10.03 7.14 78.21 95.38 167.62 787.17 787.17 741.68 623.70 623.70 7,010.85 252.84 252.84 0.00 15,802.30 15,802.30 17,585.70 1,680.00 1,680.00 1,600.00 7,135.10 7,135.10 11,246.50 1,265.00 1,265.00 1,579.00 96.28 96.28 521.28 4,982.33 4,982.33 27,434.59 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 0.00 5,404.61 0.00 3,311.97 |
|---|---|
| 96,501.42 10.03 794.31 78.21 97,383.97 142,789.71 |
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Payments Diocesan Expenses Parish Share Chester DBF Council Tax Water Rates Light & Heat Gardening Telecoms PPE Other Expenses Resources Travel Locum Vicar Costs Building & Upkeep Water Rates Oil Electricity Insurance Maintenance Costs Churchyard Sundry Professional Fees Church Admin Verger Upkeep/Cleaning Youth Magazine Stationery & Copying Books & Materials Flowers & Resources GVH Hire Licences/Subscriptions Website & IT Organist Fees Publications Equipment Events Friends of St Nicholas Other Charitable Giving Project Expenditure Divs Reinvested |
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted General Contingency Churchyard Fabric Total 2020 Total 2019 Funds Fund Fund Fund 52,239.84 52,239.84 50,965.68 2,652.00 2,652.00 3,211.00 3,103.91 3,103.91 2,978.22 625.22 625.22 623.57 556.17 556.17 419.72 429.00 429.00 957.00 392.84 392.84 320.04 188.99 188.99 0.00 450.65 450.65 730.19 401.40 401.40 968.95 0.00 0.00 603.50 53.31 53.31 68.11 0.00 3,294.18 618.00 618.00 315.18 1825.90 1825.90 2,468.18 989.64 989.64 262.00 2,516.19 2,516.19 1,325.00 27.00 27.00 68.00 1,482.00 1,482.00 1,440.00 50.00 50.00 700.00 1,193.00 1,193.00 500.00 0.00 0.00 213.70 277.00 277.00 2,260.00 346.11 346.11 654.67 88.99 88.99 282.80 0.00 0.00 604.88 528.00 528.00 693.00 247.00 247.00 275.39 233.00 233.00 238.00 260.00 260.00 1,245.00 52.50 52.50 74.05 255.26 255.26 4,926.60 115.68 115.68 823.78 0.00 0.00 430.36 75.00 75.00 0.00 10,626.25 10,626.25 9,609.00 15354 15,354.00 49,549.13 |
|---|---|
| 98253.85 98253.85 144,098.88 787.17 787.17 741.68 |
|
| 98,253.85 787.17 99,041.02 144,840.56 |
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted General Contingency Churchyard Fabric Funds Fund Fund Fund Receipts 96,501.42 10.03 794.31 78.21 Payments 98,253.85 787.17 Net -1,752.43 10.03 7.14 78.21 Bank & Cash Balances 1 Jan 2020 85,701.33 2,361.16 1,683.68 18,419.99 Bank & Cash Balances 31 Dec 2020 83,948.90 2,371.19 1,690.82 18,498.20 General Contingency Churchyard Fabric Funds Fund Fund Fund Statement of Assets & Liabilities Barclays Account No 1 20,903.83 Barclays Account No 2 16,737.06 Skipton Building Society 46,308.01 Cash CCLA Fabric Fund 18,498.20 CCLA Contingency 2,371.19 CCLA Ch'yard Fund 1,690.82 83,948.90 2,371.19 1,690.82 18,498.20 Investment Assets at Valuation CBF C of E Inv.Fund Income shares Contingency Fund Churchyard Repair Fund 28,617.07 28,617.07 |
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted General Contingency Churchyard Fabric Funds Fund Fund Fund 96,501.42 10.03 794.31 78.21 98,253.85 787.17 |
Total 2020 Total 2019 97,383.97 142,789.71 99,041.02 144,840.56 |
|---|---|---|
| -1,752.43 10.03 7.14 78.21 85,701.33 2,361.16 1,683.68 18,419.99 |
-1,657.05 -2,050.85 108,166.16 110,217.01 |
|
83,948.90 2,371.19 1,690.82 18,498.20 |
106,509.11 108166.16 |
|
| General Contingency Churchyard Fabric Funds Fund Fund Fund 20,903.83 16,737.06 46,308.01 18,498.20 2,371.19 1,690.82 |
Total 2020 Total 2019 20,903.83 32,194.75 16,737.06 16,737.06 46,308.01 36,650.62 0.00 118.90 18,498.20 18,419.99 2,371.19 2,361.16 1,690.82 1,683.68 |
|
| 83,948.90 2,371.19 1,690.82 18,498.20 |
106,509.11 108,166.16 |
|
| Total 2020 Total 2019 28,617.07 25,997.33 |
||
| 28,617.07 | 28,617.07 25,997.33 |
Approved by the PCC on 20 April 2021 and signed on its behalf:
Rev. CM Helm, Incumbent B Blakeman, Treasurer
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Notes to the Accounts
1. Basis of preparation of accounts
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
2. Receipts
Voluntary income for 2020 was £62,664 compared with £66,185 in 2019 (-5.32%). In addition, the church received a further £4,982 in donations towards the completion of ongoing projects. This decrease in voluntary income continues a pattern experienced in previous years resulting from a reduction in the number of established church members (death, moving away, residential care etc.) who, over the years, have largely contributed very generously towards church funds. The level of contributions from these longer-established church members is not currently being replaced by contributions from newer church members. Along with all parishes in the Diocese, St Nicholas’ Church received a Covid-19 discretionary support payment of £2,000 from Chester Diocese.
In 2020 the PCC received a tax refund of £15,802 through Gift Aid compared with £17,586 in 2019. This refund figure represents 16.2% of total income for the year, emphasising once again the importance to PCC finances of regular planned giving by church members using Gift Aid where it is possible to do so.
Total income for the year, including special donations, tax refunds etc. amounted to £97,383 and total expenditure was £99,041.
In terms of the ongoing risk to church finances the PCC continues to rely on contributions from a relatively small number of very generous donor households. In many instances, these significant contributors together other long-standing donors, represent an ageing generation. The evidence suggests that in recent times such donors are neither being replaced nor supplemented by a new and younger generation of church members. In the event that the church was to experience a loss of one or more of the contributions of significant donors, the finances of the church would inevitably come under pressure.
The church also normally relies on funds raised through various events such as those organised by Friends of St Nicholas’ Church and the Events Committee as well as other fund-raising activities. The opportunities to hold fund-raising events in 2020 were extremely limited. Nevertheless, regular donations received through the Friends of St Nicholas’ Church amounted to £3,190.
In addition to £27,434 raised in 2019 through special donations the church received such project funding in 2020 amounting to £4,982 which enabled planned expenditure on building, maintenance and improvement projects to be undertaken.
3. Investments
Funds to support day to day expenditure are held on deposit with Barclays Bank and with Skipton Building Society. In addition longer-term funds are managed in
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ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, BURTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
designated funds by CCLA Investment Management Ltd who manage investments for charities, religious organisations and the public sector, including the Church of England.
4. Payments & Expense Costs
No unforeseen items of expenditure were incurred during the year. Certain items of expenditure reduced in 2020 compared with 2019 due to restrictions on church services and activities. For example whilst the upkeep of the building and churchyard continued throughout the year no expenditure was incurred on heating oil in 2020, compared with £3,294 in 2019.
5. Parish Share
All ministry expenses (Vicar and related on-costs) are shared with St Michael’s Church, Shotwick. St Nicholas’ Church pays 77.25% of the cost and St Michael’s Church cover 22.75% of expenditure. The PCC is currently paying the Diocese charge or Parish Share, pro rata, at the rate of 105% of a standard Parish Share rather than at the rate of 145% as requested by the Diocese.
In 2020 the parish share cost to St Nicholas Church, as levied by Chester Diocese, amounted to £52,240 which equates to some £1,004 per week. In the light of a continuing decline in the PCC’s ordinary voluntary income and with the church’s operating costs remaining largely fixed, the Treasurer has advised the PCC that the present funding model operated by Chester Diocese, is unlikely to be sustainable in the medium to longer term.
6. Trustees Remuneration
St Nicholas’ Church PCC did not have any employees during the year and no expenses were either claimed by, or paid to Trustees in performance of their duties as Trustees.
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