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2024-12-31-accounts

2024

St Paul’s Church Annual Report and Accounts

The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Paul, Brighton in the Diocese of Chichester Charity Registration Number 1206717

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Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Report

of

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of

St Paul’s Church, Brighton

St Paul’s Church, West Street, Brighton, BN1 2RE

Charity Registration Number 1206717

For the year ended 31st December 2024

CONTENTS

Page

1 Annual Report

6 Financial Report

11 Report of the independent examiner

Website: www.saintpaulschurch.org.uk

Incumbent

(until Father Benjamin Eadon CMP October The Clergy House, Russell Place, Brighton, BN1 2RG 2024):

Independent Mr Mike Jackson examiner: 18 Rosemary Drive, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6HT Charity Aid Foundation (CAF) Bank Ltd Bankers: 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ

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St Paul’s Church, Brighton Trustees’ Annual Re ort for 2024 p

Our aims and purposes as a charity

St Paul’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Vicar, Fr Benjamin Eadon (until October), in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of St Paul’s Church.

What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives

When planning our activities for the year, the PCC considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

The council has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

For 2024 we discussed and planned the following objectives and activities to fulfil our aims:

What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives

Attendance at worship and private prayer

The church family welcomes visitors from within as well as outside the parish boundary. Visitors attend by personal choice and it is our great pleasure to welcome anyone from all walks of life to take part in the life of the church. We contend that voluntary attendance to worship the Lord Jesus Christ is a major demonstration of the public benefit of our activities.

Our regular pattern of public worship continues. We have seen an increase in attendance at our Sunday Mass and have been able to welcome a number of new people and seen an increase in the number of our ‘worshipping community.’ Being open for casual visitors when Mass is celebrated and at certain other times remains a significant part of our mission and the numbers of people visiting for private prayer remain steady. During 2024, we have relaunched a regular schedule of having the church open outside of Mass, now covering Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

St Paul’s CofE Primary School continues to have an active link with the church and visits regularly (normally once a term) and the clergy continue to visit school regularly to lead collective worship and we look at ways to encourage the deepening of faith for all ages.

Lent and Easter was a busy time during which we had a Lent Course, weekly Stations of the Cross and the usual Holy Week liturgies.

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In Advent, we once again ran a study course and weekly Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Christmas is a particularly special time of celebration, which includes the hosting of the Sussex Beacon Carol Concert when many people from the local community come together in the church.

Other significant liturgical events included our Patronal Festival in the summer and the Epiphany Carol Service at the start of the year. All were beautiful occasions and it was good to welcome so many people at them.

Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers

In 2024 the clergy took two funerals in church and one funeral at a crematorium.

A group of us went on pilgrimage to Walsingham as part of the Brighton & Hove Wagner Group, which was a valuable time of prayer and fellowship. It gave people the opportunity to learn more about living life as a Christian, to socialise, to get to know people at a deeper level, to share experiences and to spend leisure time and meals together.

Evangelism and outreach

Links with the church school continue to grow and flourish. Representation of church members on the governing body continues. The PCC remains committed to supporting the life of the school in any way we can. This has included involvement with preparing children for baptism and to be admitted to Communion.

We also host Safe Space and Street Pastors predominantly on Friday and Saturday nights. They work to support those who may struggle during a night out in Brighton.

Provision of the church building for people to enjoy

Our church continues to be appreciated by our parishioners, and many others, as a space where life events are celebrated with joy and thanksgiving. In 2024 improvements and maintenance work included continuing to remove pigeon guano from the tower, alongside making plans to clear the rest of the tower. Furthermore, roof repairs were carried out, the sound system was upgraded and more of the church’s signage was renewed. In addition to worship, the church building is used for other occasions such as concerts, social events and community group meetings.

It is also important to us that the church is available for private prayer not just to the church family but to the wider visiting community. To this end, the church building is open regularly and visitors come in to pray, to light candles, to have a look around, and for peaceful respite.

Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish

The clergy are responsible for visits to the sick and housebound and the Blessed Sacrament is regularly taken to those who are housebound and to people during stays in hospital.

Provision of tangible support to the poor and needy and charitable giving

In addition to our support of Safe Space and Street Pastors, we have had various collections (both financial and of donated items) to support various local charities. We continue to subsidise certain community groups to make use of the church and in some cases offer free use for charitable causes. Church members also give personal support to local charities and community initiatives through volunteering and donations.

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Structure, governance and management of the charity

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Paul’s the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent, assistant licensed clergy, churchwardens, Deanery and General Synod representatives, and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial training into the workings of the PCC. We try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible.

The full PCC met six times during the year to discuss relevant matters and make appropriate decisions, with one extraordinary meeting of the PCC being held.

During the year, the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council:

Ex Officio members

Vicar Fr Benjamin Eadon (until October) Chairman (until October) Assistant Curate Fr Thomas Cotterill Churchwardens Victor de Giorgio (from April) Vice Chairman (from May) Michael O’Brien (from April) Elected Members Ruth Cowl Mark Gourley Cecilia Spencer (from April & until September) Jane Richards Secretary Tina Windham Electoral Roll Officer (from May) Adrian Girvan (from April) Susan Gale (from April) Carolyn Elgar (from April) Polly Pang (from April) Deanery Synod John Burdett Jeremy Dutton Christine El-Shabba In attendance at PCC meetings: Rose McDermott (from May) Treasurer (from May)

In attendance at PCC meetings:

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2024 Financial Review

Income

Our total income for 2024 was £397,140 (£54,140 in 2023). The total receipts within the Unrestricted Fund amounted to £342,170 compared with £49,651 in the previous year, Restricted Fund receipts were £47,723 (£4,489 in 2023) and Designated Fund receipts were £7,247 (£0 in 2023). These are detailed in the Income and Endowments note 3 of the following accounts. Planned giving showed an increase to £15,913 compared with last year’s £15,206. Other nonregular donations including collections at services and sundry donations and appeals came to £23,032 compared with £18,950 in 2023. We received grant income of £49,077 (£0 in 2023). Gift Aid tax rebates amounted to £6,926 (£4,004 in 2023). It is important for donors complete Gift Aid declarations if they pay sufficient income tax since the church benefits from an extra 25% of their gifts from HMRC (Charities). We received two legacies in the year amounting to £275,547 (£0 in 2023).

Our receipts from external hire of the church were £10,884 in 2024, an increase from £3,461 in 2023. Our income from various church events came to £1,001 during the year, falling back from £3,665 in 2023.

Expenditure

Outgoing costs came to £141,981 during the year, compared with £71,059 in 2023. The biggest cost in 2024 was for major works to the tower of £55,663 (£0 in 2022) and a new sound system £10,032. We paid our full agreed parish contribution figure of £12,000 in 2024 (£10,870 in 2023). This payment represents 29.5% of our full parish ministry cost, but the Diocese have indicated on more than one occasion that they prefer PCCs to commit to paying a realistic parish contribution, and pay that sum in full.

Other key outgoing costs were church running expenses of £14,433 for utilities, a significant reduction from the previous year (£22,660 in 2023), church insurance of £8,496 (£8,340 in 2023) and church maintenance of £10,850 (£10,905 in 2023), both in line with the previous year.

The surplus on our Unrestricted Fund increased by £252,761 in the year, from -£26,721 at the start of the year to £226,040 at the 31st December.

Moneys that we hold for specific purposes are maintained in various Restricted Funds totalling £179,600 at the 31st December. In addition, we hold £40,725 in Designated Funds. Details of the sums held in these funds are set out in Note 11 to the Financial Statements.

Reserves policy

It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on free reserves (net current assets) which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments.

It is our policy to keep approximately half of our cash funds in a Shawbrook deposit account, with the remainder in the current CAF account and various CBF Deposit funds. Capital from the sale of Russell Place and the Thomson Trust endowment are invested in CBF Church of England investment shares. The St Paul’s Boys Home Trust fund shares are invested in CBF Church of England investment shares.

This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by Victor de Giorgio, PCC Vice Chairman:

Date: 12th March 2025

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, BRIGHTON SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 TOTAL FUNDS 2023 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Funds Funds Funds Not8S Incoma and endowments from: Donallons and legacles other Irdding actpiities Investrnents 3a 322,775 14,622 3,996 777 47,720 370,495 14,622 41,246 777 42,647 9,216 2,155 122 3b 3c 7,247 Other income 3d Total received 342,170 7.247 47,723 397,140 54,140 Expenditure on: Ralsing funds Charitable aotivhies 4a 1.039 88,031 339.00 1.826 49,268 135 2.865 138.642 474 4,552 66,309 198 4b 1,343 Oth8r @xp&ndilur& Total pald 4c 89,409 1,343 51,22g 141,981 71.059 Nèt Ineomolln•t axpèndlturèl 252.761 5,904 13,5061 255,159 116,9191 Transfers betsveen funds Net movement in funds 252,761 5.904 13,5061 255,1 $9 116,9191 Bank and deposit accounts at 1 January 2024 126,7211 34,821 183,106 191,206 173,304 Bank and deposlt accounts at 31 December 2024 226,040 40,725 179,600 446 365 156385

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, 8RIGHTON STA7EMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 TOTAL FUNDS 2023 Unreslricled De5ignoted Restricted Endomnenl Funds Funds Funds Funds Nolas Mon6tsry as$èts ank wnEnl accounts GBF dep051t gcwunls Shawbrook deposit accounl 219,006 7.034 40.725 98.016 f 4 357,747 7,098 7Q,500 6,741 226 040 179600 446 365 156.385 Debtor5 HMRC_ Gifi Ald t8cav2rBble Olherdebto 1.740 3.044 1,740 3.044 1,907 387 Investment a85818 &t market valu8 1,70B CBF Investment Fund shares 564 CBF Fixed Interest Fund shares 11,028 CBF InveslmÈnl Fund sharès 7,040.65 JP MDrg8n UK Eqully Inc Fund B shares 39,494 841 39,494 841 254,9Y7 3.098 298 430 38,810 816 249.294 3.389 292 109 254.g97 25d 997 Investment assets al Cost Lwerpaol Catpoiation 3,/2% IrEdeeinable Stock 998 998 998 998 998 990 Tolal assets 234 920 295 722 179 600 750 577 451,78 1,918 1,918 1,779 376 Other sUppl￿rS Tofal liabilities Apwoved by Ihb Panxh181 Church c￿n¢&I ￿ 12 M2rch 2025 8nd 91gn8d on Il9 bahall Vklor dé Gk)rg Chaimian The accompanying notes fomi a pari of this financval report.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL. BRIGHTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1 The finandal slalements ol Ihe PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charitles Act 2011 uslng the Receipts and Payments basis. 2 The following assets are recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Llabllllies.. Moveable church fumishing8 held by the churchwardens on speclal trust lor the PCC which requ1￿ a faculty lor dlsposal. 3 Analysls ol lolal received TOTAL FUNDS 2024 TOTAL FUNDS 2023 Unrestricted Deslonated Restdcled Funds Funds Funds Notes 3a Income from donations and legacies Planned giving Collections at seNices Gift Aid lax re￿Ned Grants Gift Days Sundry donatK)ns and appeals Legaaes 15,913 4,880 6,926 6,327 15.913 4,880 6.926 49.077 15.206 4.020 4.004 42,750 2,259 17,158 13,182 275,547 322,775 4.970 18.152 275.547 370,495 47,720 42,647 3b Income from other trading activities Hire ol church Cgndl8S Events Fees Bookstall 10,884 2.058 1.001 557 122 14,622 10,884 2,058 1.001 557 122 14.622 3,461 959 3,665 556 575 9,216 3¢ Income from investrnents Interest from CBF Deposit Fund & Dlvidends Other interest & dividends 1,448 7.084 163 8,535 2,711 1.282 873 2.155 3.00 3d Other receipts Other incomg 777 777 777 777 122 122 Total received 342 170 397.140 54.140

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL. BRIGHTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 4 Analysls tsf total pald TOTAL FUNDS 2024 TOTAL FUNDS 2023 Unrestricted D8signaled Restricted Funds Funds Funds Notes 4a ExpendSture on raising funds Events Bookstall Friends of St Paul 607 432 607 432 2.207 211 1,039 4b Expendllure on charitable 8Ctivilies Candles Missbnary and charitable giving Parish share lo Diocese of Chthester Other clergy costs Chureh insuran Church tunning expenses Church ma5nlen8nc8 Major prolect Upkeep of setvices Music and org8nist FloweTS Printing, stationery and administration Independent exarnin8rfs f88 1,486 12,000 5,149 8,496 14,433 10,850 24.913 1.092 12.000 5,149 8,496 14,433 10,850 65,695 1,092 5,141 345 15,171 270 138 642 10,870 5,854 8,340 22,660 10,905 40.782 2,439 5,141 345 3,000 432 3,184 135 10,828 270 88,031 1,343 1,343 4¢ Other expenditure 339 135 474 198 Total paKJ 89,409 141 981 The designated fund bal8nC8s brought lO￿ard or £34,821 Ibank and deposit awountl and £249,294 ICBF InvestThent fund shares) were nol previously shown in the accounts. They ￿[al& to the St Pauls Boys Home Twst. The Diocesa of Chichester hawng res88rched th8 Irusl do¢uments deem that the monies should form part of the PCC unrestricted funds. 6 Gill is recoverable on donatK)ns r8C8ived vp to the year end. 7 This ￿Ve$trr￿nl arose frorn the Sa18 of Russell Pla￿. The Income Is credli6d to the Dtocesan stipends fund to assist with the payment of the incurnbent's stipend. The Thomson Trust 15 a perman8nl endowm8nt whose origin and purpos8 is unknow. 9 The Parish share is a paymenl towards Clergy Islipend, housing, Irainingl costs plus other diocesan and national ehureh costs. This payrnenl repre5ellts 29.5QA of the full dioc&san parish mini%try costs. 10 As the 18g8¢￿$ income of £275.547 15 a one off ev8nl the PCC have decided not to ehang8 their accounting method to accruals accounts lorjust this one financial year.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, BRIGHTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 11 Analysis of deslgnated and restricted funds Designated funds represenl rThJnles sel aside by the PCC out of unr8strict8d funds for specific future purposes or prol6Cts. Restricted funds represent Income either frorn twsls or 8ndowenls which may be expended only on those reSt￿Cled oblects provided in the term5 of Ihe trust or b8quest', or from donations and grdnts received for a specilK obleet or invitèd by the PCC lor a 5pecrfic object. The funds may only be expend&d on lh8 specific object for which they were gpien. Any balance remaining unspent at the end ol the year is carried foTward as a balance on that fund. 881 bltwd 1 Jan 2024 Inco Exp&ndilure Transfers Bal clfwd 31 Dec 2024 Designated funds St Paul's Boys Trust Total monetary assets of designated funds 34,821 34.821 7,247 7.247 Restrlcted funds Administrator Audrey Pallerson Memorial Director of music Fabri¢ Flower Friends of St Paul Organ Repairs lo lower Vestment Vicaes discretionary fund Totsl monetary assets ol restrlcted funds 3,000 3,000 10,148 25 5,000 345 1,826 165,772 25 135 2,873 4,723 8,029 155,624 9,000 671 4,164 4,135 3,199 7,061 8,032 30,750 30,750 1,549 1.549 135 135 183.106 179 600 10