2025 St Paul's Church Annual Report and Accounts The Eccleslastlcal Parlsh of St Paul, Brighton in the Diocese of Chichester Charity.Registrqtlon NumEJer 1206717
Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Report of The Parochlal Church Councll of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Paul's Church, Brighton St Paul's Church, West Street, Brighton, BNI 2RE Charity Registration Numbei 1206717 For the year ended 31st December 2025 CONTENTS Page Annual Report Financial Report 11 Report of the independent examiner Website-. www.saintpaulschurch.org.uk Incumbent vucant5ince l November 2024 Independent Mr Mike Jackson examiner= 18 Rosemary Drive, Shoreham-by-sea, BN43 6HT Charity Aid Foundation ICAFI Bank Ltd Bankers= 25 KinES Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ
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 included the h05ting of a parish Carol Service in support of two local charities when many people from the local community came together in the church. Other significani liturgical events included ihe Epiphany Carol Service at the start of the year and our Patronal Festival in the summer. All were beautiful occasion5 and it was good to welcome so many people to them. Teochingl boptising ond nurturing new and existing believers In 2025, the clergy took 2 funerals in church and l interment of ashes. Furthermore, during 2025, 5 adults and 4 children were baptised, l adult was confirmed and 5 children were admitted to Holy Communion. 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 sociali5e, to get to know people at a deeper level, to share experiences and to spend leisure time and meals together. Evangelism und outret7ch 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 the clergy helping to lead collective worship as well as involvement with preparing children for baptism and admission to First Holy Communion. We also continue to 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 buildingfor people to enjoy Our chLJrch continues to be appreciated by our parishioners, and many others, as a space where life events are celebrated with joy and thanksgiving. In 2025, improvement5 and maintenance work included the final removal of pigeon guano from the tower, alongside emergency stabilisation work to part of the north-west buttess of the tower. Moreover, under the oversight of the Inspecting Architect, several inspections and Surveys were completed as part of the preparation of a schedule of works for the complete restoration of the tower. Furthermore, roof repairs were carried out across the building and the doors onto West Street were repaired, together with the some of stonework at the East Window and at the Russell Place door. Moreover, the lighting in the nave and side aisles was upgraded and the two tollets and kitchen space were redecorated. In addition to worship, the church building is used for other occasions such as concerts, recilals, rehearsals, soclal 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 thi5 end, the church building is open regularly on at least four days every week, during which time visitors come in to pray, light candles, have a look around, and find some peace and quiet. Provlsion of pustoml carefor people living in the parish The clerEY are responsible for visits to the sick and housebound. The Blessed Sacrament is regularly taken to those who are housebound and to people during stays in hospltal and rehabilitative care *acilities. Provision of tt7ngible support to the poor ond needy and churituble 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 ta5e5 offer free use for charitable causes. Church members also give personal sUPPOrt to local charities and community initiatives through volunteering and donations.
St Paul's Church, Brighton Trustees, Annual Report for 2025 Our aims and purposes as a charity st Paul's Parochial Church Council IPCCI has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent (the parish continues to await a new priestl, 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'5 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 Safeguardin8 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 2025 we discussed and planned the following objectives and artivities to fulfil our aims.. Enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church Enabling as many people as posslble to become part of our parish community Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers Maintaining an overview of worship throughout the parish Putting faith into practice, through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament Offering worship and prayer Promoting the gospel and assisting people from all walks of life to find life in Jesus Christ Providing pastoral care for people living in the parish Providing as51Stance to the poor and needy of the parish Giving in accordance with our charitable objectives Reachirbg out to the wider community Maintaining the fabric of the church as a place of worship and for the community to access. What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries, lives Attendance at worship and private proyer The church family welcomes visltors from within as well as otJt5ide 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., 8eing open for casual visltors when Mass is celebrated and at certain other times remains a significant part of our mi55ion and the number5 of people visiting for private prayer remain steady. During the whole of 2025, we maintained the church being open to visitors every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday as well as Sunday mornin& expanding the number of lay people who serve as church watchers who make this POS5ible. St Paul's C of E Primary School continues to have an active link with the church. The clergy continue to visit school regularly to lead collective worship. We continue to 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 Stalions of the Cr055 and the usual Holy Week liturgie5.
In Advent, we once again ran a study course and weekly Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Christmas 55 a particularly special time of celebration, which included the h05ting of a parish Carol Service in support of two local charities when many people from the local community came together in the church. Other significant liturEical events included the Epiphany Carol Service at the start of the year and our Patronal Festival in the summer. All were beautifijl occasions and it wa5 good to welcome so many people to them. Teochlng, buptlsing ondnurturing new and existing believers In 2025, the clerEY took 2 funerals in church and l interment of ashes. Furthermore, during 2025, 5 adults and 4 children were bapt15ed, l adult was confirmed and 5 children were admitted to Holy Communion. A group of us went on pilgrimage to WalsinEham 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. Evungelism und outreoch Links with the church school continue to Erow and flourish. Representation of church members on the governing body continue5. The PCC remains committed to supporting the life of the school in any way we can. This has included the clergy helping to lead collective worship as well as involvement with preparing children for baptism and admission to First Holy Communion. We also corbtinue to 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 buildingforpeople to enjoy OLJr church continues to be appreciated by OLJr parishioners, and many others, as a space where life events are celebrated with joy and thanksgiving. In 2025, improvements and maintenance work included the final removal of pigeon guano from the tower, alongside emergency 5tabili5ation work to part of the north-west buttess of the tower. Moreover, under the oversight of the Inspecting Architect, several inspections and surveys were completed as part of the preparation of a schedule of works for the complete restoration of the tower. Furthermore, roof repairs were carried out across the building and the doors onto West Street were repaired, together with some of the stonework at the East Window and at the Russell Place door. Moreover, the lighting in the nave and side aisles was upgraded and the two toilets and kitchen space were redecorated. In addition to worship, the church building is used for other occasions such as concerts, recitals, rehearsals, social events and community group meeting5. 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 on at least four days every week, during which time visitors come in to pray, light candles, have a look around, and find some peace and quiet. Provision of postoral carefvr people living in the parish The clergy are responsible for visits to the sick and housebound. The Blessed Sacrament is regularly taken to those who are housebound and to people during Stays in hospital and rehabilitative care facilities. Provision of tungible support to the poor und needy und churitoble giving In addition to our support of Safe Space and Street Pastors, we have had various collections (both financial and of donated item51 to support various local charitie5. We continue to sub5idise 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. T r u s t e e s
Structure. governance and management of the charity The Parochial Church Council IPCCI is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powersl 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 tlmes during the year to discuss relevant matters and make appropriate decision5. In addition, one extraordinary meeting of the PCC took place dLtring the year. During the year, the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council= Ex Officio members Incumbent Asslstont Curote Churchwardens vocant Fr Thomas Cotterill Victor de Giorgio Michael O'Brien Vice Chairman Elected Members Ruth Cowl Mark Gourley Jane Richards Tina Windham Adrian Girvan (until June) Susan Gale Carolyn Elgar Polly Pang Alfie Bernardi (from May) Treasurer Ifrom March) Secretary & Safeguarding officer Electoral Roll Officer (until May) Electoral Roll Officer (from May) Deanerysynod John Burdett Jeremy Dutton Christine El-shabba In attendonce ut PCC meetings Rose McDermott (until March) Treasurer luntil Marchl Sofeguarding The PCC has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults continues to be a hlgh priority for the Council and is a standing item on the agenda at every ordinary meeting. Employees and volunteers are recruited in line with Safer Recruitment protocols, with the necessary training requirements for both employees and volunteers, including PCC members, kept up to date. The clergy and Parish Safeguarding Officer, whols a full member of the PCC, are up to date with their Leadership Safeguarding training. Any DBS checks required are undertaken according to guidelines and we are up to date with these. The PCC has engaged with and is currently up to date with the Parish Dashboard, which has replaced Simple Quality Protect ISQPI. The PCC has followed the guidelines required by the legislation concerning GDPR and continue5 to monitor this.
2025 Financial Review Income Our total income for 2025 was £235,7851£397,140 in 20241. The total receipts within the Unrestricted Fund amounted to £153,047 compared with £342,170 in the previous year. Restricted Fund receipts were £46,4851£47.723 in 20241. In February 2025 the Diocese informed us about The Farman Street H811 Investment Fund, to which we are apparentlv entitled but which is held by the Diocese. The £470 interest in the year is shown as restricted in our accounts, the purpose being for furthering education of people in the parish. As a result, the capital amount of £36,253 has been brought into our accounts as an Endowment Fund. The PCC voted in January 2025 to treat the St Paul's Boys Home Trust Designated Funds of £40,725 as undesignated and these were duly transferred to Unrestricted Funds in the year. These are detailed in the Analysis of designated and restricted funds in Note 10 of the following accounts. Planned giving showed a substantial increase of more than 30Yo to £20,920 compared with last year's £15,913. Other non-re8ular donations including tollections at services and sundry donations and appeals came to £46,279 compared with £23,032 in 2024. This included several generous individual donations towards the East Window stonework, new lighting and car park repair, plus gift aid envelopes, the Narthex donation box and Sum Up contactle55 donations. We received 8rant income of £64,4401£49,077 in 20241, of which £23,400 was unrestricted, being VAT reclaimed from the Listed Places of Worship Scheme. Gift Aid tax rebates amounted to £7,4571£6,926 in 20241. It is important that donors complete Gift Aid declarations if they pay sufficient Income Tax since the church benefits from an extra 25Yo of their gifts from HMRC (Charities). We received one legacy in the year amounting to £2,2151£275,547 in 20241, being the residual amount remaining from one of the legacles recelved last year. Our receipts from external hire of the church were £13,886, an increase of £3,000 from 2024. Our income from various church events came to £7,447 during the year (£1,001 irb 20241, including £4,191 from Friends, events and £3,256 from the Christmas lunch and Grand Draw, the Hayley Savage concert and other smaller events. Expenditure Outgoing costs came to £217,319 during the year, compared with £141,981 in 2024. The biggest costs in 2025 were for major works to the tower of £70,2311£55,663 in 20241 and various other works amounting to £80,717 for window and masonry repairs, the nave lighting, side chapel lighting and the Russell Place door refurbishment along with general maintenance costs. We paid our full agreed parish contribution figure of £13,0001£12,000 in 20241. This payment represents 31.9% of our full parish ministry cost, but the Diocese have indicated on more than one occasion that they prefer PCC5 to commit to paying a realistic parish contribution, and pay that sum in full. Other key outgoinE Costs were church running expenses of £11,188 for utilities, a reduction from the previous year (£14,433 in 20241, church insurance of £8,6601£8,496 in 20241 and printing, stationery and administration costs of £15,7851£15,171 in 20241 in line with the previous year. The surplus on our Unrestricted Fund increased by £47,914 in the year, from £226,040 at the start of the year to £273,954 at the 31st December. Moneys that we hold for specific purposes are maintained in various Restricted Funds totalling £154,624 at the 31st December. Details of the sums held in these funds are set out in Note 10 to the Financial Statements. Reserves policy It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on free reserves Inet current assetsl which equates to at least three months, unrestricted payments.
It has been our policy to keep a substantial sum, now approximately 20% of our cash funds, in a Shawbrook deposit account, with the remainder in the CAF current account and one CBF Deposit Fund. In the year the PCC agreed to close the Shawbrook account, and the closure date will be in 2026. Capital from the sale of Russell Place and the Thomson Trijst endowment are invested in CBF Church of England investment shares. The Farman Street Hall TrLJSt is invested in a CBF deposit account. This Trustees, Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by Victor de Giorgio, Churchwarden & Vice Chairman of the PCC.. Date= 9th March 2026
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL. BRIGHTON SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 TOTAL Unrestricted Designated Reslricled End0)ent FUNDS Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 Notes Income and endowments from.. Donations and legaues other trading activities Inv&stments Other income Total reeelved lo4,(2 19,323 24,064 5,598 153,047 41,824 4,191 470 145,886 23,514 60.787 5,598 235,785 370.495 14,822 11,246 777 397,140 36,253 3d 46,485 36,253 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitab18 activities Other expenditure Totsl pald 48 4b 1,730 143,738 390 1,363 69,598 500 3,093 213,336 890 2.865 138,642 474 141,981 145,858 71,461 217,319 Net incomellnet expelldlturel 7,189 124,9761 36,253 18,466 255,159 Transfers between funds 40,725 140,7251 Net movement In funds 47,914 140,7251 124,9761 36.253 18,466 255,159 Bank dewsil accounts at l January 2025 226,040 40,725 179,600 446.365 191,2( Bank and deposlt accounts at 31 December 2025 273 954 154,824 36.253 464,831 446.365
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, BRIGHTON STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 TOTAL Unrestrict8d Restricted Endowtnent FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 Notes Monetary a88et8 Bank current accounts CBF deposit accoun Shawbrook deposit acLount 79,655 194.299 79,655 300,968 357,747 7.098 81,520 446,365 70,416 84.208 154,624 36,253 R&P 273,954 36,253 464,831 Debtors HMRC- Glft Aid recov8rable CBF D8POSIt Interest Other debtors 2,735 3,049 2,675 8,459 2,735 3,049 2,675 8.459 1,740 83 2,961 4,784 Investment asset8 at market value 1.708 C8F Investment Fund shares 564 CBF Fixed Int8r8St Fund shares 11.028 CBF Investment Fund shares 7,040.65 JP Morgan UK Equity Inc Fund B sh8res 37,915 862 37,915 862 244,803 39,494 841 254,997 3,098 298.430 244,803 244.803 38,777 283 58D Investment assèts at cost Liverpool corporats.on 3'A% Stock 998 gg8 Total assets 527.216 154,624 75,030 756,870 750,577 3,102 147 3.249 3,102 147 3,249 1,g18 1.794 3,712 Other suppli8ts Total IlabSllties Approved y the Parochial Church Counal g March 2026 and signed on ils behalf Victor de Giorg Vice Chairman The a¢¢ompanying notes fomi 8 part of thi5 fsnancial report.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, BRIGHTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 1 The fin8n¢ial statements of the PCC have been prepared in acrdance Wilh the Charthes Act 2011 using the Receipts and Payments basis. 2 The following assets are recogni5ed but not Valued in the Statement ol Assets and Li8bililies.' Moveable church lumishings held by the churchw8id8ns on special trust lor the PCC which require a faculty for disposal. 3 An31ysis Of total received TOTAL Unrestricted Designaled Restri¢ted Endowment FUNDS Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 Notes 3a Income from donatlons and 18gacies Planned giving Coll&¢tions at servi$ Gift Aid tax received Grants Gift Days Sundry donations and appea Legacies 20,920 4.558 7,457 23,401 4,575 40,936 2,215 104,062 20,920 4,558 7.4S7 64,440 4,575 41,721 2.215 145,886 15.913 4,880 6,926 49,077 41.039 785 18,152 275,547 370,495 41,824 3b Income from other tr8ding actlvitie5 Hire of church Candles Events Fees Books1811 13,886 1.823 3,256 358 t3,B86 1,823 7,447 358 10.884 2,058 1.001 557 122 14,622 4.191 19,323 4,191 23,514 3c Income fiom investments Interest from CBF Deposit Fund & Diwdends Other interest & dividends Transfer endowmwent fund from redundant paiish Sale of investments 15,827 3,062 470 16.297 3,062 36,253 5,175 60,787 8.535 2.711 36,253 5,175 24,064 470 36.253 3d Other receipts Insuran claims other income 5.588 10 5,598 5,588 10 5,598 777 777 Total reiVed 153,047 46.485 36,253 235,785 397,140
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL. BRIGHTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 4 Analysis of total paid TOTAL Unrestricted Deslgnated Restricted Endowrnent FUNDS Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 Notes 4a Expenditure on raising fund$ Events 8ookslall Friends ol St Paul 660 1,070 660 1,070 1,363 3,093 607 432 1.828 2,865 1,363 1,730 4b Expenditure on charitable activities Parish share to Diocese of Chich8St8r Other ¢lergy costs Church insuran Church running expenses Church rnaltenan Major project Upkeep ol services Music and oiganist Flowers Printing. siationery and administration Independent examinevs fee 13,000 2,243 8,660 11.188 30,910 60,397 3,165 13,000 2,243 8,680 11,188 80,717 70,230 3,872 7,069 182 15,785 390 213,336 12.OLKI 5.149 8,496 14,433 10.850 65,695 1,092 5,141 345 15,171 270 138,642 4g,807 9,833 707 7,069 182 2.000 13,785 390 143.738 69,898 4c Other expenditure 390 500 890 474 Total pak 145,858 71.461 217,319 141,981 5 The end0ent fund held on deposit represents the sale of th8 Old Faman Street Hall which was Us£ as a Ghurch hall by St Patrick's Church, Hove. The income is used for furthering the education of the p80ple in the parish. 6 Gift Aid is recoverable on donations reiVed up to the year end. 7 This investsn8nl arose from the Sale ol Russell Place. Th8 incorne is credited to the Diocesan stipends fund to assist with the payrnenl ol the in¢umbent's stipend. 8 The Th0rn50n Trust is a permanent endowment whose orlgln and purpose is unknown. 8 The Parish sh8re is a payrnellt towards Cleroy (stipend, houslng. training) costs plus other dioces8n and national churth costs. This payment represents 31.9% of th8 full diocesan parish ministry costs.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, BRIGHTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 10 Analysis of designated and restricted funds Designated funds represent monies sel aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funijs for specific future purposes or projects. Reslricled funds present income either from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those reslricled objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest,. or from donations and grants received for a specific obje¢t or invited by Ihe PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried fOnard as a balance on Ihal fund. Bal blfwd l Jan 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers Bal cld 31 Dec 2025 Designated funds Sl Paul's Boys Home Trust Total monetary assets of designated tunds 40,725 40,725 40,725 40,725 Restricted funds Adrninislralor Audrey Pallerson Memorial Fabric Flower Friends of St Paul Furthering education of people in parish Oigan Repairs lo lower Veslmenl Vicar's discretionary fund Total monetary assets of restrlcted funds 2,000 2,000 23,762 32,990 182 8,320 155,624 4,135 3,199 7,061 131.862 7,184 3,302 2,932 470 8,032 36,039 285 4,191 470 8,032 3,000 3.000 707 500 71,461 1,549 842 500 46,485 179.600 154.624 10
2025 St Paul's Church Annual Report and Accounts The Eccleslastlcal Parlsh of St Paul, Brighton in the Diocese of Chichester Charity.Registrqtlon NumEJer 1206717
Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Report of The Parochlal Church Councll of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Paul's Church, Brighton St Paul's Church, West Street, Brighton, BNI 2RE Charity Registration Numbei 1206717 For the year ended 31st December 2025 CONTENTS Page Annual Report Financial Report 11 Report of the independent examiner Website-. www.saintpaulschurch.org.uk Incumbent vucant5ince l November 2024 Independent Mr Mike Jackson examiner= 18 Rosemary Drive, Shoreham-by-sea, BN43 6HT Charity Aid Foundation ICAFI Bank Ltd Bankers= 25 KinES Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ
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 included the h05ting of a parish Carol Service in support of two local charities when many people from the local community came together in the church. Other significani liturgical events included ihe Epiphany Carol Service at the start of the year and our Patronal Festival in the summer. All were beautiful occasion5 and it was good to welcome so many people to them. Teochingl boptising ond nurturing new and existing believers In 2025, the clergy took 2 funerals in church and l interment of ashes. Furthermore, during 2025, 5 adults and 4 children were baptised, l adult was confirmed and 5 children were admitted to Holy Communion. 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 sociali5e, to get to know people at a deeper level, to share experiences and to spend leisure time and meals together. Evangelism und outret7ch 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 the clergy helping to lead collective worship as well as involvement with preparing children for baptism and admission to First Holy Communion. We also continue to 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 buildingfor people to enjoy Our chLJrch continues to be appreciated by our parishioners, and many others, as a space where life events are celebrated with joy and thanksgiving. In 2025, improvement5 and maintenance work included the final removal of pigeon guano from the tower, alongside emergency stabilisation work to part of the north-west buttess of the tower. Moreover, under the oversight of the Inspecting Architect, several inspections and Surveys were completed as part of the preparation of a schedule of works for the complete restoration of the tower. Furthermore, roof repairs were carried out across the building and the doors onto West Street were repaired, together with the some of stonework at the East Window and at the Russell Place door. Moreover, the lighting in the nave and side aisles was upgraded and the two tollets and kitchen space were redecorated. In addition to worship, the church building is used for other occasions such as concerts, recilals, rehearsals, soclal 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 thi5 end, the church building is open regularly on at least four days every week, during which time visitors come in to pray, light candles, have a look around, and find some peace and quiet. Provlsion of pustoml carefor people living in the parish The clerEY are responsible for visits to the sick and housebound. The Blessed Sacrament is regularly taken to those who are housebound and to people during stays in hospltal and rehabilitative care *acilities. Provision of tt7ngible support to the poor ond needy and churituble 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 ta5e5 offer free use for charitable causes. Church members also give personal sUPPOrt to local charities and community initiatives through volunteering and donations.
St Paul's Church, Brighton Trustees, Annual Report for 2025 Our aims and purposes as a charity st Paul's Parochial Church Council IPCCI has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent (the parish continues to await a new priestl, 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'5 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 Safeguardin8 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 2025 we discussed and planned the following objectives and artivities to fulfil our aims.. Enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church Enabling as many people as posslble to become part of our parish community Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers Maintaining an overview of worship throughout the parish Putting faith into practice, through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament Offering worship and prayer Promoting the gospel and assisting people from all walks of life to find life in Jesus Christ Providing pastoral care for people living in the parish Providing as51Stance to the poor and needy of the parish Giving in accordance with our charitable objectives Reachirbg out to the wider community Maintaining the fabric of the church as a place of worship and for the community to access. What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries, lives Attendance at worship and private proyer The church family welcomes visltors from within as well as otJt5ide 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., 8eing open for casual visltors when Mass is celebrated and at certain other times remains a significant part of our mi55ion and the number5 of people visiting for private prayer remain steady. During the whole of 2025, we maintained the church being open to visitors every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday as well as Sunday mornin& expanding the number of lay people who serve as church watchers who make this POS5ible. St Paul's C of E Primary School continues to have an active link with the church. The clergy continue to visit school regularly to lead collective worship. We continue to 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 Stalions of the Cr055 and the usual Holy Week liturgie5.
In Advent, we once again ran a study course and weekly Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Christmas 55 a particularly special time of celebration, which included the h05ting of a parish Carol Service in support of two local charities when many people from the local community came together in the church. Other significant liturEical events included the Epiphany Carol Service at the start of the year and our Patronal Festival in the summer. All were beautifijl occasions and it wa5 good to welcome so many people to them. Teochlng, buptlsing ondnurturing new and existing believers In 2025, the clerEY took 2 funerals in church and l interment of ashes. Furthermore, during 2025, 5 adults and 4 children were bapt15ed, l adult was confirmed and 5 children were admitted to Holy Communion. A group of us went on pilgrimage to WalsinEham 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. Evungelism und outreoch Links with the church school continue to Erow and flourish. Representation of church members on the governing body continue5. The PCC remains committed to supporting the life of the school in any way we can. This has included the clergy helping to lead collective worship as well as involvement with preparing children for baptism and admission to First Holy Communion. We also corbtinue to 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 buildingforpeople to enjoy OLJr church continues to be appreciated by OLJr parishioners, and many others, as a space where life events are celebrated with joy and thanksgiving. In 2025, improvements and maintenance work included the final removal of pigeon guano from the tower, alongside emergency 5tabili5ation work to part of the north-west buttess of the tower. Moreover, under the oversight of the Inspecting Architect, several inspections and surveys were completed as part of the preparation of a schedule of works for the complete restoration of the tower. Furthermore, roof repairs were carried out across the building and the doors onto West Street were repaired, together with some of the stonework at the East Window and at the Russell Place door. Moreover, the lighting in the nave and side aisles was upgraded and the two toilets and kitchen space were redecorated. In addition to worship, the church building is used for other occasions such as concerts, recitals, rehearsals, social events and community group meeting5. 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 on at least four days every week, during which time visitors come in to pray, light candles, have a look around, and find some peace and quiet. Provision of postoral carefvr people living in the parish The clergy are responsible for visits to the sick and housebound. The Blessed Sacrament is regularly taken to those who are housebound and to people during Stays in hospital and rehabilitative care facilities. Provision of tungible support to the poor und needy und churitoble giving In addition to our support of Safe Space and Street Pastors, we have had various collections (both financial and of donated item51 to support various local charitie5. We continue to sub5idise 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. T r u s t e e s
Structure. governance and management of the charity The Parochial Church Council IPCCI is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powersl 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 tlmes during the year to discuss relevant matters and make appropriate decision5. In addition, one extraordinary meeting of the PCC took place dLtring the year. During the year, the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council= Ex Officio members Incumbent Asslstont Curote Churchwardens vocant Fr Thomas Cotterill Victor de Giorgio Michael O'Brien Vice Chairman Elected Members Ruth Cowl Mark Gourley Jane Richards Tina Windham Adrian Girvan (until June) Susan Gale Carolyn Elgar Polly Pang Alfie Bernardi (from May) Treasurer Ifrom March) Secretary & Safeguarding officer Electoral Roll Officer (until May) Electoral Roll Officer (from May) Deanerysynod John Burdett Jeremy Dutton Christine El-shabba In attendonce ut PCC meetings Rose McDermott (until March) Treasurer luntil Marchl Sofeguarding The PCC has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults continues to be a hlgh priority for the Council and is a standing item on the agenda at every ordinary meeting. Employees and volunteers are recruited in line with Safer Recruitment protocols, with the necessary training requirements for both employees and volunteers, including PCC members, kept up to date. The clergy and Parish Safeguarding Officer, whols a full member of the PCC, are up to date with their Leadership Safeguarding training. Any DBS checks required are undertaken according to guidelines and we are up to date with these. The PCC has engaged with and is currently up to date with the Parish Dashboard, which has replaced Simple Quality Protect ISQPI. The PCC has followed the guidelines required by the legislation concerning GDPR and continue5 to monitor this.
2025 Financial Review Income Our total income for 2025 was £235,7851£397,140 in 20241. The total receipts within the Unrestricted Fund amounted to £153,047 compared with £342,170 in the previous year. Restricted Fund receipts were £46,4851£47.723 in 20241. In February 2025 the Diocese informed us about The Farman Street H811 Investment Fund, to which we are apparentlv entitled but which is held by the Diocese. The £470 interest in the year is shown as restricted in our accounts, the purpose being for furthering education of people in the parish. As a result, the capital amount of £36,253 has been brought into our accounts as an Endowment Fund. The PCC voted in January 2025 to treat the St Paul's Boys Home Trust Designated Funds of £40,725 as undesignated and these were duly transferred to Unrestricted Funds in the year. These are detailed in the Analysis of designated and restricted funds in Note 10 of the following accounts. Planned giving showed a substantial increase of more than 30Yo to £20,920 compared with last year's £15,913. Other non-re8ular donations including tollections at services and sundry donations and appeals came to £46,279 compared with £23,032 in 2024. This included several generous individual donations towards the East Window stonework, new lighting and car park repair, plus gift aid envelopes, the Narthex donation box and Sum Up contactle55 donations. We received 8rant income of £64,4401£49,077 in 20241, of which £23,400 was unrestricted, being VAT reclaimed from the Listed Places of Worship Scheme. Gift Aid tax rebates amounted to £7,4571£6,926 in 20241. It is important that donors complete Gift Aid declarations if they pay sufficient Income Tax since the church benefits from an extra 25Yo of their gifts from HMRC (Charities). We received one legacy in the year amounting to £2,2151£275,547 in 20241, being the residual amount remaining from one of the legacles recelved last year. Our receipts from external hire of the church were £13,886, an increase of £3,000 from 2024. Our income from various church events came to £7,447 during the year (£1,001 irb 20241, including £4,191 from Friends, events and £3,256 from the Christmas lunch and Grand Draw, the Hayley Savage concert and other smaller events. Expenditure Outgoing costs came to £217,319 during the year, compared with £141,981 in 2024. The biggest costs in 2025 were for major works to the tower of £70,2311£55,663 in 20241 and various other works amounting to £80,717 for window and masonry repairs, the nave lighting, side chapel lighting and the Russell Place door refurbishment along with general maintenance costs. We paid our full agreed parish contribution figure of £13,0001£12,000 in 20241. This payment represents 31.9% of our full parish ministry cost, but the Diocese have indicated on more than one occasion that they prefer PCC5 to commit to paying a realistic parish contribution, and pay that sum in full. Other key outgoinE Costs were church running expenses of £11,188 for utilities, a reduction from the previous year (£14,433 in 20241, church insurance of £8,6601£8,496 in 20241 and printing, stationery and administration costs of £15,7851£15,171 in 20241 in line with the previous year. The surplus on our Unrestricted Fund increased by £47,914 in the year, from £226,040 at the start of the year to £273,954 at the 31st December. Moneys that we hold for specific purposes are maintained in various Restricted Funds totalling £154,624 at the 31st December. Details of the sums held in these funds are set out in Note 10 to the Financial Statements. Reserves policy It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on free reserves Inet current assetsl which equates to at least three months, unrestricted payments.
It has been our policy to keep a substantial sum, now approximately 20% of our cash funds, in a Shawbrook deposit account, with the remainder in the CAF current account and one CBF Deposit Fund. In the year the PCC agreed to close the Shawbrook account, and the closure date will be in 2026. Capital from the sale of Russell Place and the Thomson Trijst endowment are invested in CBF Church of England investment shares. The Farman Street Hall TrLJSt is invested in a CBF deposit account. This Trustees, Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by Victor de Giorgio, Churchwarden & Vice Chairman of the PCC.. Date= 9th March 2026
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL. BRIGHTON SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 TOTAL Unrestricted Designated Reslricled End0)ent FUNDS Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 Notes Income and endowments from.. Donations and legaues other trading activities Inv&stments Other income Total reeelved lo4,(2 19,323 24,064 5,598 153,047 41,824 4,191 470 145,886 23,514 60.787 5,598 235,785 370.495 14,822 11,246 777 397,140 36,253 3d 46,485 36,253 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitab18 activities Other expenditure Totsl pald 48 4b 1,730 143,738 390 1,363 69,598 500 3,093 213,336 890 2.865 138,642 474 141,981 145,858 71,461 217,319 Net incomellnet expelldlturel 7,189 124,9761 36,253 18,466 255,159 Transfers between funds 40,725 140,7251 Net movement In funds 47,914 140,7251 124,9761 36.253 18,466 255,159 Bank dewsil accounts at l January 2025 226,040 40,725 179,600 446.365 191,2( Bank and deposlt accounts at 31 December 2025 273 954 154,824 36.253 464,831 446.365
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, BRIGHTON STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 TOTAL Unrestrict8d Restricted Endowtnent FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 Notes Monetary a88et8 Bank current accounts CBF deposit accoun Shawbrook deposit acLount 79,655 194.299 79,655 300,968 357,747 7.098 81,520 446,365 70,416 84.208 154,624 36,253 R&P 273,954 36,253 464,831 Debtors HMRC- Glft Aid recov8rable CBF D8POSIt Interest Other debtors 2,735 3,049 2,675 8,459 2,735 3,049 2,675 8.459 1,740 83 2,961 4,784 Investment asset8 at market value 1.708 C8F Investment Fund shares 564 CBF Fixed Int8r8St Fund shares 11.028 CBF Investment Fund shares 7,040.65 JP Morgan UK Equity Inc Fund B sh8res 37,915 862 37,915 862 244,803 39,494 841 254,997 3,098 298.430 244,803 244.803 38,777 283 58D Investment assèts at cost Liverpool corporats.on 3'A% Stock 998 gg8 Total assets 527.216 154,624 75,030 756,870 750,577 3,102 147 3.249 3,102 147 3,249 1,g18 1.794 3,712 Other suppli8ts Total IlabSllties Approved y the Parochial Church Counal g March 2026 and signed on ils behalf Victor de Giorg Vice Chairman The a¢¢ompanying notes fomi 8 part of thi5 fsnancial report.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, BRIGHTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 1 The fin8n¢ial statements of the PCC have been prepared in acrdance Wilh the Charthes Act 2011 using the Receipts and Payments basis. 2 The following assets are recogni5ed but not Valued in the Statement ol Assets and Li8bililies.' Moveable church lumishings held by the churchw8id8ns on special trust lor the PCC which require a faculty for disposal. 3 An31ysis Of total received TOTAL Unrestricted Designaled Restri¢ted Endowment FUNDS Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 Notes 3a Income from donatlons and 18gacies Planned giving Coll&¢tions at servi$ Gift Aid tax received Grants Gift Days Sundry donations and appea Legacies 20,920 4.558 7,457 23,401 4,575 40,936 2,215 104,062 20,920 4,558 7.4S7 64,440 4,575 41,721 2.215 145,886 15.913 4,880 6,926 49,077 41.039 785 18,152 275,547 370,495 41,824 3b Income from other tr8ding actlvitie5 Hire of church Candles Events Fees Books1811 13,886 1.823 3,256 358 t3,B86 1,823 7,447 358 10.884 2,058 1.001 557 122 14,622 4.191 19,323 4,191 23,514 3c Income fiom investments Interest from CBF Deposit Fund & Diwdends Other interest & dividends Transfer endowmwent fund from redundant paiish Sale of investments 15,827 3,062 470 16.297 3,062 36,253 5,175 60,787 8.535 2.711 36,253 5,175 24,064 470 36.253 3d Other receipts Insuran claims other income 5.588 10 5,598 5,588 10 5,598 777 777 Total reiVed 153,047 46.485 36,253 235,785 397,140
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL. BRIGHTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 4 Analysis of total paid TOTAL Unrestricted Deslgnated Restricted Endowrnent FUNDS Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL FUNDS 2024 Notes 4a Expenditure on raising fund$ Events 8ookslall Friends ol St Paul 660 1,070 660 1,070 1,363 3,093 607 432 1.828 2,865 1,363 1,730 4b Expenditure on charitable activities Parish share to Diocese of Chich8St8r Other ¢lergy costs Church insuran Church running expenses Church rnaltenan Major project Upkeep ol services Music and oiganist Flowers Printing. siationery and administration Independent examinevs fee 13,000 2,243 8,660 11.188 30,910 60,397 3,165 13,000 2,243 8,680 11,188 80,717 70,230 3,872 7,069 182 15,785 390 213,336 12.OLKI 5.149 8,496 14,433 10.850 65,695 1,092 5,141 345 15,171 270 138,642 4g,807 9,833 707 7,069 182 2.000 13,785 390 143.738 69,898 4c Other expenditure 390 500 890 474 Total pak 145,858 71.461 217,319 141,981 5 The end0ent fund held on deposit represents the sale of th8 Old Faman Street Hall which was Us£ as a Ghurch hall by St Patrick's Church, Hove. The income is used for furthering the education of the p80ple in the parish. 6 Gift Aid is recoverable on donations reiVed up to the year end. 7 This investsn8nl arose from the Sale ol Russell Place. Th8 incorne is credited to the Diocesan stipends fund to assist with the payrnenl ol the in¢umbent's stipend. 8 The Th0rn50n Trust is a permanent endowment whose orlgln and purpose is unknown. 8 The Parish sh8re is a payrnellt towards Cleroy (stipend, houslng. training) costs plus other dioces8n and national churth costs. This payment represents 31.9% of th8 full diocesan parish ministry costs.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, BRIGHTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 10 Analysis of designated and restricted funds Designated funds represent monies sel aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funijs for specific future purposes or projects. Reslricled funds present income either from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those reslricled objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest,. or from donations and grants received for a specific obje¢t or invited by Ihe PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried fOnard as a balance on Ihal fund. Bal blfwd l Jan 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers Bal cld 31 Dec 2025 Designated funds Sl Paul's Boys Home Trust Total monetary assets of designated tunds 40,725 40,725 40,725 40,725 Restricted funds Adrninislralor Audrey Pallerson Memorial Fabric Flower Friends of St Paul Furthering education of people in parish Oigan Repairs lo lower Veslmenl Vicar's discretionary fund Total monetary assets of restrlcted funds 2,000 2,000 23,762 32,990 182 8,320 155,624 4,135 3,199 7,061 131.862 7,184 3,302 2,932 470 8,032 36,039 285 4,191 470 8,032 3,000 3.000 707 500 71,461 1,549 842 500 46,485 179.600 154.624 10