OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1207822

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER CHAPTER'S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Cathedral, its Chapter and advisers 1
Chapter's report 3 - 12
Chapter's responsibilities statement 13
Independent auditors' report on the financial statements 14 - 17
Consolidated statement of financial activities 18
Consolidated balance sheet 19
Cathedral balance sheet 20
Consolidated statement of cash flows 21
Notes to the financial statements 22 - 50

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CATHEDRAL, ITS CHAPTER AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Charity number: 1207822

Full Name : The Cathedral Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Blackburn

Address: Cathedral Office Cathedral Close Blackburn BB1 5AA

Chapter Clerk: Mr. I White Chief Operating Mr. I White Officer :

Director of Music: Mr. J Robinson

Minutes Secretary: Mrs. P Rowe

Finance Comittee: Mr. D. Gascoigne FCA (Chair) The Very Revd. P Howell-Jones Mr. D Kay Mrs. M Wood (resigned March 2024) Mr. K Roberts FCA

Page 1

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CATHEDRAL,ITS CHAPTER AND ADVISERS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Fabric Advisory Mrs. E Birkett (Chair)
Comittee: Mr. C. O Flaherty
Mr. I. Wilson
Mr. T. Comer
Ms. K. Shuttleworth
The Dean
The Precentor
Cathedral Ms. L Priestman
Architect: Shaw & Jagger Architects
1 Candale Park
Beckwith Head Road
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG3 1RY
Cathedral
Archaeologist: Mr. G Keevill
Bankers: National Westminster Bank plc
PO Box No. 33
35 King William Street
Blackburn
BB1 7DL
Auditors: Armstrong Watson Audit Limited
James Watson House
Montgomery Way
Rosehill
Carlisle
CA1 2UU
Investment
Manager: CCLA
Senator House
85 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 4ET

Page 2

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Public Benefit Entity

From 1 April 2008 section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 requires all charities to meet the legal requirements that its aims are for the public benefit. The Charity Commission in its "Charities and Public Benefit" Guidance states that there are two key principles to be met in order to show that an organisation's aims are for the public benefit: firstly, there must be an identifiable benefit and secondly, that the benefit must be to the public or a section of the public.

The Chapter confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Commission in determining the activities undertaken by the Charity. The Chapter are satisfied that the aims and objectives of the Charity, and the activities reported on the above to achieve those aims, meet these principles.

Governing Statute

The Constitution and Statutes of the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, which came into effect on 12 April 2024.

The Cathedral's Role within the Diocese

The Cathedral is the Seat of the Bishop, supporting him in his mission and ministry in the Diocese and beyond, and offering welcome and hospitality at diocesan services and other events to all the parishes of the Diocese.

The Cathedral's Organisational Structure

Under the 2021 Cathedrals Measure, the Chapter is the sole governing body of the Cathedral. The revised constitution and statutes came into force on 12 April 2024, when the Cathedral was registered with the Charity Commission, and can be found on the Cathedral web site https://blackburncathedral.com or on application to the Chief Operational Officer. The Chapter is supported in its work by the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, which advises the Chapter on financial policies and procedures, and by the Nominations Committee that advises the Chapter on lay appointees and their training. The Bishop of Blackburn, in consultation with the Chapter, appoints the Senior Non-Executive Member. A Safeguarding Management Committee, on which the Chapter is represented, advises and supports the Chapter on safeguarding at the Cathedral, and a Fabric Advisory Committee takes particular responsibility for the care, maintenance and improvement of the Cathedral fabric.

Officers in attendance at the Chapter include the Chapter Clerk and the Executive Assistant and Minutes Officer.

Page 3

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Chapter

The management of the Cathedral is executed by the Cathedral Chapter. The Chapter is responsible for the oversight and administration of Cathedral affairs, specifically the ordering of worship and the promotion of the Cathedral's mission; the management, repair, and maintenance of its properties; the preparation of an annual budget, an annual report, and audited accounts; keeping under review the Constitution and Statutes of the Cathedral; and keeping the Cathedral Council informed of planned developments. The Bishop as Visitor is kept informed of developments by the Chapter.

Details of the members of Chapter, the Executive and the Minute Secretary that served during the year and subsequent to the year-end are noted as part of the legal and administrative information.

The College of Canons

The College of Canons consists of: The Dean The Bishops Suffragan The Archdeacons The Residentiary Canons The Honorary Lay and Ecumenical Canons

Blackburn Cathedral Developments

This company has been established to handle the acquisition and development of property on behalf of the Chapter. Its sole member is the Cathedral.

Blackburn Cathedral Enterprises Limited (Enterprises)

This company has been established to handle the trading and commercial activities on behalf of Chapter and is 100% owned by the Cathedral.

Blackburn Cathedral Trust (the 'Appeal')

This company was incorporated on 15 October 2009, is limited by guarantee and is a registered charity. The company was established to administer and run the general appeal on behalf of the Cathedral. The company operates under a separate trust but is wholly for the benefit of the Cathedral.

Relationship with other organisations The Cathedral works closely with: The Church Commissioners The Association of English Cathedrals The Bishop and Diocesan officials Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Lancashire County Council Representatives of other Christian denominations and Faith groups

Induction and Training of New Members of Chapter

New members meet with the Dean for a general briefing about the role of the Chapter and the key issues that it is currently, and in the future, to deal with. Training is offered by The Association of English Cathedrals (AEC).

Page 4

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Investment Powers

Under the Cathedrals Measure 2021, the Chapter may invest the Cathedral's funds in any of the following:

•Land.

Risk Management

Risk assessments are the responsibility of the Chapter and are built into its annual schedule of business.

Volunteers

The lifeblood of any cathedral is the dedicated service of the many volunteers across many areas of cathedral life. Here at Blackburn Cathedral, we are blessed with an amazing group of friends and other members of our Welcoming Team gathered from across the Diocese who tirelessly staff the Welcome Desk. We are very grateful also to our Cathedral Wardens, servers, stewards, singers, flower arrangers, bell ringers and Pastoral Care Team who visit the sick and housebound.

Message from The Dean

Our Annual Review offers an insight into the many blessings, achievements and causes for celebration which have marked a year of confident change and development in many areas of our mission and commercial activity.

Becoming a registered charity during the year marked a significant moment for us as a Cathedral. The process has enabled us to develop our governance structures and renew our policies and procedures to ensure that we are fit for purpose.

As the Cathedral Church of the Diocese, we continue to support the Bishop of Blackburn in his leadership and ministry. This involves the hosting of many diocesan services, ordinations and festivals together with active involvement by our clergy team in mission weekends, clergy training and episcopal support throughout the year.

Attention to safeguarding culture, processes and policies is an essential part of what it means to be a caring Christian community, as is providing a safe place where everyone can flourish.

In the coming year we will implement a number of changes highlighted by the INEQE Safeguarding Audit.

By God’s grace, it has been a positive and exciting year for Blackburn Cathedral, blessed with a clear strategy and commitment to be authentic, enterprising, welcoming and effective in our commitment to growing God’s kingdom in everything we seek to do. We look forward with hope and joyful expectancy to the coming year.

Worship, services and liturgy

The year began appropriately with the welcome to and installation of our new Canon Precentor, Revd Dr Jenny Gaffin, on 2 February, and in September we were delighted to welcome Revd Dr Joe Kennedy for his installation as Bishop of Burnley.

In the course of the year, the Cathedral hosted Diocesan ordinations, civic services including the D-Day commemoration attended by the Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Amanda Parker, the regional Mothers’ Union service, the Prayerbook Society and a wide range of visiting choirs. We also took part in a BBC Radio 3 Evensong broadcast in October that elicited a record level of positive feedback.

Page 5

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Worship, services and liturgy (continued)

The choir has built on a post-pandemic music programme to widen its repertoire for key moments in the Cathedral’s liturgical cycle of prayer, praise and performance. Our Organist in Residence, Mr John Hosking is not only nationally acclaimed for his improvisations, the exemplar of the Cathedral’s colourful organ, but gives outstanding choral accompaniment.

The choir’s 6th form choral scholars have produced a healthy young sound and been able to rely on the experience of the paid singers and excellent volunteers. A particular pleasure was the first graduating scholar through the ABRSM examinations, leading to UCAS points and a university place to read music. Saturday mornings are now focused on ABRSM music theory and singing examination preparation, supported by funding from the Mrs Waterhouse Trust. In addition, the Cathedral Music Trust has supported choral workshops for our choristers by leading vocal experts.

Mrs Abigail Birch-Price has contributed her second outstanding year as Music Administrator, including successful events around International Women’s Day, taken on the department’s social media, extending our reach and increasing audiences, and managed PRS payments. The Cathedral Youth Choir has continued to thrive under Ms Helen Davies and new singers are joining our ex-choristers, with teenagers making cathedral music their own. Efforts are also being made to recruit more girls into the choir. St Paul’s Voices (the voluntary choir) has reached new heights under Mr Hosking’s direction, although at times it has had to perform as a women’s choir when insufficient tenors and basses were available.

The care of the organ has become a focus in recent months, as its avant-garde caselessness makes it particularly prone to dirt building up in the pipes. Restoration work to clean all the pipes and regulate the voicing is needed, and in independent review by Mr William McVicar, organ curator at the Royal Festival Hall, has clarified what is needed, and is leading to detailed project scoping and fundraising for the work.

Some special thanks are due. The first is to Dr John Bertalot, aged 93, whose renowned Music and More magazine has disseminated news and recollections about our music for decades, but who has at last had to call a halt. We also thank Mr Alan Taylor who has generously donated a lovely mechanical action organ that he has built himself for the newly restored Crypt, inspiring young musicians and adults for generations to come.

Behind the scenes the Virgers underpin all the worship by their efficient and committed ministry, and we are delighted to welcome Mr Yrene Lettan to the team, with his special brief to support our visitors.

The Wardens have worked tirelessly, and we offer particular thanks to Mrs Julie Eatwell, who has stepped down as Head Warden, and welcome Mrs Louise Hicks who has taken up the role.

The Cathedral is supported by a growing group of willing volunteers who make many contributions to worship and welcome. They have been particularly patient as we have sought to resolve some technical challenges with our livestreaming that enable people to participate in worship from afar. Finally, we warmly thank our flower arrangers for the colour, variety and beauty they bring to the Cathedral’s congregations.

The Ringing Master, Mr Roy Hutchings, is able to report another successful year of change ringing. Only four out of fifty ringings for the Sunday Eucharist were missed, and in addition there were one full peal and six quarter peals, including for the D-Day commemoration and for the wedding of local ringers. Thursday practices continued, and visits from neighbouring churches took place during the year.

Page 6

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Mission and outreach

The Canon Missioner, Revd James Lawrence, continued his ministry as chaplain at Blackburn College, holding services at Easter and Christmas and making regular pastoral support available to students.

For the Diocese he gave a keynote address at a training weekend for curates and had a curate working with him at the Cathedral for six weeks in the autumn. He joined the inspiring Children and Youth Committee and the Project Board for Making Disciples, and gave mission lectures on the Assistant Lay Minister training course.

With Bishop Jill he and others hosted a Diocesan Festival of Healing in October, while on the same weekend the Cathedral partnered with the Message Trust at St Luke’s to host the ‘No More County Lines’ tour, with a week of visits to local school assemblies across Blackburn that culminated in a concert of rap and RnB artists attended by 300 young people.

The Cathedral was delighted to host two important exhibitions that emphasised Blackburn’s connections with the textile industry. The first, ‘Threads Through Creation’ by Ms Jacqui Parkinson was held in the North Transept from early March to mid-April.

The second, ‘Festival of Making’, combined art, manufacturing and the making of communities across the region. This giant exhibition happens annually in July and fills the Cathedral as well as the town.

The annual garden party and congregational barbeque took place at Whalley Abbey, and a new initiative was launched; WISCA teas (With you in Spirit but Can’t always Attend). This initiative complements the regular and often unseen home visits by clergy and lay ministers, for which Canon Michael Wedgeworth makes a particularly important contribution.

The highlight of the year was of course the exhibition of the Museum of the Moon, a touring artwork by Mr Luke Jerram. Officially opened on 4 November, it brought some forty thousand visitors to the Cathedral during the month, with five thousand candles lit.

Planning for the event gave the Cathedral the opportunity to recruit and train additional volunteers, and the team now numbers 120, with safe recruitment and improved volunteer administration. The exhibition also gave the opportunity to run a series of science and faith events, including a distinguished guest speaker, the Revd Professor David Wilkinson FRAS, to speak on the search for meaning and faith in our scientific world, while the Faraday Institute at Cambridge provided a special schools visit for 150 pupils.

Meanwhile at Easter the Cathedral launched its new website, the culmination of nine months’ work that has brought about a substantial increase in online activity and outreach. Inside the Cathedral a new signage system was installed that aids visitors while also telling them about the story of the building and makes connections with the Christian faith.

Governance

The Cathedral made its historical move to become a charity registered with the Charity Commission in line with the Cathedrals Measure 2021 on 12 April 2024.

The Chapter’s away day at Lancaster in July was used to explore the implications of this change, and Chapter members were commissioned as trustees at Evensong on 8 September. The full complement of revised committees has become operational and the Chapter welcomed Ms Janet Thomas as our Senior NonExecutive Member.

The reconstituted Finance, Audit and Risk Committee now has a strategic risk register of all the Cathedral’s activities and assets, and the Nominations Committee has been active in searching out new members to replenish the Chapter’s lay membership. The Chief Operating Officer is also the secretary of the Fabric Advisory Committee.

The Chapter, after many months of focus on the shift to the new Measure, was able to turn attention to its strategic objectives, in the context of preparation for the Centenary of the Cathedral in 2026.

Page 7

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Governance (continued)

In January Mr Daniel James joined the staff team as the Centenary Campaign Manager, and his expertise in design, website and social media content has made a significant impact on the quality of all aspects of the Cathedral’s visual presence and hence its engagement with all sections of the local and regional population. At most Chapter meetings throughout the year, the Chapter received a section of the strategic plan on rotation and was able to interrogate its progress.

The College of Canons met twice to discuss a range of matters relating to the Cathedral and the Diocese.

As far back as November 2022 the Chapter had been informed that a BBC investigation into the Church of England’s handling of an historical safeguarding issue relating to a senior member of clergy at Blackburn Cathedral was taking place.

Preparatory steps were taken with the Diocese and the National Church, including a communications plan, to plan for a broadcast, and a Serious Incident Report was filed with the Charity Commission on 7 August 2024.

When the broadcast finally took place on 13 August, including an interview with the Dean on local television, the planned arrangements ensured that Cathedral, Diocese and National Church actions all dovetailed. A virtual meeting with the Charity Commission on this compliance case took place on 22 August, and additional documents were subsequently supplied as requested.

The Cathedral’s IT systems had been known to require remedy for some time, and during the year a substantial upgrading took place. The transfer of data into the Cloud has improved data security and over time will save money on infrastructure. A rolling programme to replace the aging hardware and to standardise equipment is in place to make future maintenance easier.

Safeguarding

The Cathedral continued to follow the Church of England’s policy, ‘Promoting a safer church’ and to follow its guidance.

Safeguarding remains the responsibility of the Dean and Chapter, assisted by the Safeguarding Management Group (CSMG), and overseen on a day to day basis by the Cathedral’s safeguarding volunteers, the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer and the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The CSMG consists of Ms Carolyn Johnson (in the chair), the Dean, the COO, the Canon Precentor, the Director of Music, and the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (Ms Cath Smith), and membership has remained constant. Five meetings took place in 2024, in February, April, June, September and November.

The committee is grateful to have the expertise of its independent chair, Ms Carolyn Johnson. She attended a Chapter meeting in September and reported back that its members were engaged, challenging to and supportive of the work of CSMG. The Chapter reviewed and approved he CSMG terms of reference and resolved to invite its chair to attend the Chapter annually.

The group has completed the following actions: an agreed and signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Diocese; a Low Level Concern policy document for the Chapter that was adopted by them; a three-year safeguarding strategy that was signed off by the Chapter in July; a final SCIE action plan; and approval of a lone working policy. The group received a safeguarding risk register and resolved to review it twice a year, and job descriptions for the Cathedral’s safeguarding volunteers were updated.

Group discussions took place about the following: preparations for the independent audit in February 2025; Cathedral access to link and support people; consultation on the IICSA pilot; NST consultation on a draft of the new Learning and Development framework; an update of the Cathedral’s Safeguarding Handbook; and the new Safeguarding Standards and their implications for Cathedral safeguarding.

The national redress project was introduced, and will be further considered at future meetings, with the aim of raising awareness amongst victims and survivors.

Page 8

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Education

The Education Department exceeded all previous records in 2024, with 2,918 visitors and a significant income stream.

This result was achieved by Mrs Sian Howell-Jones on only two days a week, working with a team of dedicated volunteers.

Visitors range from infant school pupils to post-school students, including specialist schools, as well as adult care groups. During Lent there was a display of the remarkable textile exhibition, ‘Threads Through Creation’, by Ms Jacqui Parkinson, that proved to be a great success both with general visitors and school groups.

The annual GCSE religious education conference in November coincided with the Museum of the Moon exhibition, and accordingly the opportunity was taken to work with the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at Cambridge.

This collaboration included a keynote speech on ‘How do we know what we know?’ that was accompanied by a series of workshops on scientific topics, and brought in additional schools as well as science teachers.

The regular trails and workshops continued, tailor made to the particular needs of individual schools, with the new website attracting additional visits.

The level of visitor feedback has risen, with 100% approval for what the department is providing to allow visitors and pupils to engage with the essence of Christian faith and what it might mean in their lives.

Finance

The new Finance, Audit and Risk Committee began its work in May, with Canon David Gascoigne in the chair and the COO as its secretary.

Particular thanks are due to Mrs Maureen Wood for her many years of commitment to its predecessor body.

Tight control of expenditure continued, but a renewed emphasis on income generation was highlighted. This work included the production of an appeal brochure, ‘2026 Centenary Projects’, with targets for work on the Crypt, choir endowment, West Door replacement, new lighting, organ maintenance and additional artwork.

The Cathedral was greatly helped in its endeavours by the growth and innovation of Blackburn Cathedral Enterprises under the leadership of Ms Sian Goggins.

At a time of challenging trading conditions she and her team achieved a 35% increase in income over the previous year, as well as supporting two members of staff through Level 3 and 4 apprenticeships. Outside catering contributed to this success, including for Whalley Abbey, Blackburn College and the Blackburn Mayor’s Office.

Internal commercial events in support of concerts and exhibitions, especially the Museum of the Moon, brought in welcome additional revenue, while building up a track record on which to build for future years.

During the year some difficulties were faced because of delays in payments due to the Cathedral, but it is a particular pleasure to report a year end that is expected to show a significant positive balance.

Page 9

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Blackburn Cathedral Partners

Blackburn Cathedral Appeal Trust

The Trust exists to support the Cathedral to ensure it continues to provide an outstanding environment, not only for worship, but also for hosting a range of diverse activities.

Since 2015 it has worked closely with communities across Lancashire and the prime aim during this period has been to support the refurbishment of the Crypt into a multi-purpose space for entertainment, exhibitions and events. Once completed it will become a central resource for the town and the wider region, forming an important part of the Cathedral’s commercial strategy.

The Trust raises funds in a variety of ways and holds a lively programme of events throughout the year including literary lunches, garden parties, talks and a popular annual golf day, held at Clitheroe Golf Club.

The Trust also hosts the High Sheriff and Dean’s Banquet and this year over 200 guests from across Lancashire gathered under The Museum of the Moon to enjoy a formal dinner in the company of choirs from the Cathedral. The keynote speaker was Sir Tim Smit KBE, co-founder of the Eden Project.

The Friends of Blackburn Cathedral

The Friends completed the year with 243 members, under the continuing leadership of its chair, Mr David Thornton, and its Council trustees.

Four meetings were held, including an AGM in July at which Mr Ian White gave an interesting illustrated talk on his role and responsibilities at the Cathedral. Advent Sunday was celebrated by a reception for all members of the congregation who were present at the service.

The Friends donated £8,000 to the Cathedral during the year, that covered: sponsorship of an organ composition competition; flowers for the Cathedral; engraving a commemorative plaque; and a mobile merchandise cabinet.

The Friends will also purchase a display board to show the contributions made to the Cathedral since 2012, currently totalling £147,495.

Grateful thanks are due to the Dean and Mr White for their input and to the executive officers and trustees of the Friends’ Council for their continued support.

Fabric

Under the watchful eyes of our Cathedral Architect, Ms Louise Priestman, the good condition of the main Cathedral structure is a cause of pleasure, although repairs to the interior of the bell tower are required, as well as the refurbishment of the West Doors.

After testing many options, Church House is partly let to two small businesses and a concept for a business centre is being developed.

The major infrastructure development has been the renovation of the Crypt.

Work began in the summer, with an expected completion by Easter 2025.

The aim is to create a multi-purpose space in the former Builders’ Yard as a venue for educational meetings, concerts and exhibitions, and revenue-generating events managed by Blackburn Cathedral Enterprises.

The £400,000 investment has been funded by The Blackburn Cathedral Trust, the Benefact Trust, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and The Garfield Weston Foundation, and all the work is being undertaken by local contractors and craft workers.

We are delighted that the Changing Places facility formed part of the plans and is now operational.

Page 10

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Cathedral was able to move forward with confidence to implement a strategic plan that fulfils its mission of Christian witness and service as we prepare to celebrate the Centenary in 2026.

Chapter Members:

The Very Reverend Peter Howell-Jones Senior Non Executive Member of Chapter The Reverend Dr Canon Jenny Gaffin The Reverend Canon James Lawrence Canon David Gascoigne The Reverend Canon Andrew Horsfall Marion McClintock, MBE Keith Roberts Ian White - Chapter Clerk Janet Thomas OBE Senior Non Executive Member of Chapter

Finance Committee – Finance Audit and Risk Committee from 12th April 2024

Jonathan Wood Chair (resigned April 2024) Canon David Gascoigne Chair from April 2024 Keith Roberts David Kay Maureen Wood (resigned April 2024) The Dean

Nominations Committee (from 12th April 2024)

Canon Andrew Horsfall - Chair Canon David Gascoigne

Financial Review

The results for the year are shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities. During the year there was net unrestricted income, including gains on investments, of £63,665 (2023: £8,575). The total unrestricted funds were £1,281,067 (2023: £1,070,315).

The restricted funds showed net income, including gains on investments, of £207,092 (2023: £632,851) with income largely consisting of grants from the Church Commissioners. With transfers between funds total restricted funds were £368,314 (2023: £533,406).

The endowment funds showed net income, including losses on investments, of £1,266 (2023: £649,904). At 31 December 2024, endowment funds totalled £3,362,174 (2023: £3,135,811).

Gains recognised on the revaluation of investments across all funds amounted to £10,096 (2023: £1,828 loss).

The net cash outflow from operating activities was £69,855 (2023: £1,131,787). Cash reserves at the year-end were £183,838 (2023: £478,542).

Reserves Policy

The Trustees maintain a reserves policy designed to safeguard the Cathedral’s financial stability and ensure its long-term sustainability. These reserves provide essential protection against unexpected financial pressures, enabling the Cathedral to continue its mission, worship, and outreach with confidence

Page 11

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHAPTER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Disclosure of Information to Auditor

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

Approved by order of the members of the board of Chapter and signed on their behalf by:

Andrew Horsfall (Sep 26, 2025 09:21:09 GMT+1)

Canon A S Horsfall Trustee Date: 26/09/2025

David.P.Gascoigne David.P.Gascoigne (Sep 26, 2025 11:52:46 GMT+1) Canon DP Gascoigne FCA Trustee

26/09/2025

Page 12

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

STATEMENT OF CHAPTER'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Chapter are responsible for preparing the Chapter's report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Chapter to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Charity and of their incoming resources and application of resources, including their income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Chapter are required to:

The Chapter are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Chapter and signed on its behalf by:

Andrew Horsfall (Sep 26, 2025 09:21:09 GMT+1)

Canon A S Horsfall Trustee Date: 26/09/2025

David.P.Gascoigne David.P.Gascoigne (Sep 26, 2025 11:52:46 GMT+1) Canon DP Gascoigne FCA Trustee 26/09/2025

Page 13

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Blackburn Cathedral Chapter (the 'parent charity') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Consolidated statement of financial activities, the Consolidated balance sheet, the Charity balance sheet, the Consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Chapter's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's or the parent charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Chapter with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 14

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER (CONTINUED)

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Chapter are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Chapter's responsibilities statement, the Chapter are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Chapter determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Chapter are responsible for assessing the Group's and the parent charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Chapter either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 15

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER (CONTINUED)

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

We assessed the susceptibility of the Cathedral's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing fraud or noncompliance with laws and regulations and cannot be expected to detect all fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

Page 16

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER (CONTINUED)

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Cathedral's Chapter, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Cathedral's Chapter those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Cathedral and its Chapter, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Armstrong Watson Audit Limited

Armstrong Watson Audit Limited (Sep 29, 2025 15:46:37 GMT+1)

Armstrong Watson Audit Limited

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Carlisle

Date: 29/09/2025

Armstrong Watson Audit Limited are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 17

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note
Income and
endowments from:
Grants, donations and
legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Other trading activities
4
Investments
5
Other income
6
Total income and
endowments
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net income before
net gains/(losses) on
investments
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
Net income
Transfers between
funds
22
Net movement in
funds
Reconciliation of
funds:
Total funds brought
forward
Net movement in
funds
Total funds carried
forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
262,746
65,116
521,904
143,227
11,018
1,004,011
493,096
451,741
944,837
59,174
4,491
63,665
147,087
210,752
1,070,315
210,752
1,281,067		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
687,151
41
-
4,919
-
692,111
-
489,207
489,207
202,904
4,188
207,092
(372,184)
(165,092)
533,406
(165,092)
368,314		 Endowment
funds
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,266
1,266
225,097
226,363
3,135,811
226,363
3,362,174		 Total
funds
2024
£
949,897
65,157
521,904
148,146
11,018
1,696,122
493,096
940,948
1,434,044
262,078
9,945
272,023
-
272,023
4,739,532
272,023
5,011,555		 As restated
Total
funds
2023
£
1,912,295
73,314
313,499
143,397
35,094
2,477,599
293,947
890,494
1,184,441
1,293,158
(1,828)
1,291,330
-
1,291,330
3,448,202
1,291,330
4,739,532

The Consolidated statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 18

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Investments
15
Investment property
14
Current assets
Stocks
17
Debtors
18
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
19
Net current liabilities / assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more
than one year
20
Total net assets
Charity funds
Endowment funds
22
Restricted funds
22
Unrestricted funds
22
Total funds		 53,182
148,415
183,838
385,435
(528,010)		 2024
£
3,612,582
1,058,148
483,400
5,154,130
(142,575)
5,011,555
-
5,011,555
3,362,174
368,314
1,281,067
5,011,555		 43,146
104,767
478,542
626,455
(472,109)		 2023
£
3,232,163
1,019,623
483,400
4,735,186
154,346
4,889,532
(150,000)
4,739,532
3,135,811
533,406
1,070,315
4,739,532

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Chapter and signed on their behalf by:

Andrew Horsfall (Sep 26, 2025 09:21:09 GMT+1) David.P.Gascoigne David.P.Gascoigne (Sep 26, 2025 11:52:46 GMT+1) Canon A S Horsfall Canon DP Gascoigne FCA Trustee Trustee Date: 26/09/2025 26/09/2025

The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 19

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Investments
15
Investment property
14
Current assets
Stocks
17
Debtors
18
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
19
Net current liabilities / assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more
than one year
20
Total net assets
Charity funds
Endowment funds
22
Restricted funds
22
Unrestricted funds
22
Total funds		 3,373
201,526
95,808
300,707
(413,064)		 2024
£
3,595,693
1,058,148
483,400
5,137,241
(112,357)
5,024,884
-
5,024,884
3,362,174
310,693
1,352,017
5,024,884		 5,030
304,203
323,833
633,066
(401,117)		 2023
£
3,215,690
1,019,623
483,400
4,718,713
231,949
4,950,662
(150,000)
4,800,662
3,360,908
533,406
906,348
4,800,662

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Chapter and signed on their behalf by:

David.P.Gascoigne Andrew Horsfall (Sep 26, 2025 09:21:09 GMT+1) David.P.Gascoigne (Sep 26, 2025 11:52:46 GMT+1) Canon A S Horsfall Canon DP Gascoigne FCA Trustee Trustee 26/09/2025 Date: 26/09/2025

The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 20

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Rents received
Investment income received
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments of borrowing
Interest paid
Net cash used in financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 2024
£
69,855
(463,632)
62,146
(90,575)
94,096
49,131
4,919
(343,915)
-
(20,644)
(20,644)
(294,704)
478,542
183,838		 2023
£
1,131,787
(61,390)
363,300
(898,894)
75,475
63,078
4,844
(453,587)
(518,000)
(36,407)
(554,407)
123,793
354,749
478,542

The notes on pages 22 to 50 form part of these financial statements

Page 21

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Blackburn Cathedral Chapter meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The Consolidated statement of financial activities (SOFA) and Consolidated balance sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Charity and its subsidiary undertakings. The results of the subsidiaries are consolidated on a line by line basis.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the accounts, the Chapter have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least the next 12 months. Thus the Chapter continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.

1.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Cathedral has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Cathedral has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Cathedral, can be reliably measured.

Grants are included in the Consolidated statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

Page 22

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Group to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Group's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

1.5 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Group; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

1.6 Taxation

The Cathedral Chapter is a statutory exempt charity under the Charities Act 2011 and, as such, is entitled to claim exemption from the charge to tax on income and capital gains as stated in section 258 TCGA 1992. Accordingly, with the exception of Value Added Tax and Employer's National Insurance, no liability to taxation arises.

Income is shown net of value added tax. Input value added tax is reclaimable on a percentage basis subject to partial exemption rules. All irrecoverable value added tax is included under the appropriate classification of expenditure, irrecoverable VAT on fixed asset purchases is capitalised within the cost of the asset.

1.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Page 23

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Freehold property - Not depreciated
Office equipment - 20%
Computer equipment - 33%
Other fixed assets - 10% - 20%

1.8 Heritage assets

The Cathedral holds a number of heritage assets with historic and artistic value. The nature and scale of the collection and inventory belonging to the Chapter of Blackburn include:

Note 16 of these financial statements gives further details regarding the age and history of the Cathedral, together with the insured value of the Cathedral buildings and its content.

The Cathedral inventory comprises of purchased and donated items over several centuries and these are retained by the Cathedral for religious, architectural, archaeological, artistic, and historic interest.

Valuation of the Cathedral Inventory is not deemed necessary for the day-to-day operation of the Cathedral. The quantity of items and the diverse nature of the collection would make valuation prohibitively expensive compared with the additional benefits derived by the Cathedral and users of the financial statements. As a result, no value is reported for these assets in the Balance Sheet.

Expenditure which is required to preserve or prevent further deterioration of individual items, is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when it is incurred.

1.9 Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Consolidated statement of financial activities.

1.10 Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.

Page 24

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.11 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

1.12 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.13 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Cathedral anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

1.14 Financial instruments

The Group only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1.15 Pensions

The Chapter contributes to a pension scheme for the clergy staff administered by the Church of England Pension Scheme. This scheme operates as an occupational pension scheme and contributions, at a rate determined having regard to actuarial advice, are paid into a separate fund in the trusteeship of the Church of England Pensions Board. Benefits arising from pensionable service are provided from that fund. The contributions to the fund by the Cathedral are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities as incurred, as the scheme is a multi-employer scheme, and it is not possible to identify the assets and liabilities relating to the Cathedral. These contributions are funded by a grant from The Church of England Church Commissioners.

The Chapter also contributes to personal pension schemes for selected employees, these costs are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities as incurred.

From 1 January 2016 Chapter operated an auto-enrolment pension scheme, in addition to those previously mentioned, for all eligible employees. The costs of this scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred.

Page 25

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.16 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Chapter in furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Chapter for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Group for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

2. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Legacies
Grants
Tax recoverable under Gift Aid
Donations
Legacies
Grants
Tax recoverable under Gift Aid		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
118,275
40,000
91,362
13,109
262,746
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
102,776
48,500
38,354
11,999
201,629		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
-
687,151
-
687,151
Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
564,932
471,584
-
1,036,516		 Endowment
funds
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
Endowment
funds
2023
£
100,000
574,150
-
-
674,150		 Total
funds
2024
£
118,275
40,000
778,513
13,109
949,897
Total
funds
2023
£
202,776
1,187,582
509,938
11,999
1,912,295

Page 26

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3. Income from charitable activities

Educational visits
Facility and other fees
Income from Blackburn Cathedral Trust
Other income
Educational visits
Facility and other fees
Income from Blackburn Cathedral Trust
Other income		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
10,666
35,837
4,500
14,113
65,116		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
31
-
10
41
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
8,208
32,853
3,750
28,503
73,314		 Total
funds
2024
£
10,666
35,868
4,500
14,123
65,157
Total
funds
2023
£
8,208
32,853
3,750
28,503
73,314

4. Income from other trading activities Income from non charitable trading activities

Catering income
Enterprise income		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
1,504
520,400
521,904		 Total
funds
2024
£
1,504
520,400
521,904

Page 27

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4. Income from other trading activities (continued)

Income from non charitable trading activities (continued)

Catering income
Enterprise income		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
1,329
312,170
313,499		 Total
funds
2023
£
1,329
312,170
313,499

5. Investment income

Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Income from investment property
94,096
Income from other investments
42,431
Car park income
6,700
143,227
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Income from investment property
75,475
Income from other investments
56,378
Car park income
6,700
138,553		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
4,919
-
4,919
Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
4,844
-
4,844		 Total
funds
2024
£
94,096
47,350
6,700
148,146
Total
funds
2023
£
75,475
61,222
6,700
143,397

6. Other income

Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024
£ £
11,018 11,018

Other income

Page 28

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6.
Other income (continued)
Other income
7.
Expenditure on raising funds
Fundraising trading expenses

Enterprise expenditure excluding wages and depreciation
Enterprise expenditure - wages and salaries
Enterprise expenditure - NI
Enterprise expenditure - pension costs
Enterprise expenditure - depreciation
Enterprise expenditure excluding wages and depreciation
Enterprise expenditure - wages and salaries
Enterprise expenditure - NI
Enterprise expenditure - pension costs
Enterprise expenditure - depreciation		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
35,094
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
263,842
213,997
10,654
2,804
1,799
493,096
As restated
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
152,508
133,266
6,047
1,728
398
293,947		 Total
funds
2023
£
35,094
Total
funds
2024
£
263,842
213,997
10,654
2,804
1,799
493,096
As restated
Total
funds
2023
£
152,508
133,266
6,047
1,728
398
293,947

Page 29

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Ministry
Cathedral and precincts upkeep
Education and outreach
Community, parish and congregation
Other expenditure
Ministry
Cathedral and precincts upkeep
Education and outreach
Community, parish and congregation
Other expenditure		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
42,180
198,987
-
13,190
197,384
451,741
As restated
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
45,474
171,012
-
7,870
241,891
466,247		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
411,120
36,155
17,626
39
24,267
489,207
Restricted
funds
2023
£
326,340
51,445
15,376
15,293
15,793
424,247		 Total
2024
£
453,300
235,142
17,626
13,229
221,651
940,948
As restated
Total
2023
£
371,814
222,457
15,376
23,163
257,684
890,494

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Ministry
Cathedral and precincts upkeep
Education and outreach
Community, parish and congregation
Other expenditure		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
423,592
146,274
17,626
654
-
588,146		 Support
costs
2024
£
29,708
88,868
-
12,575
221,651
352,802		 Total
funds
2024
£
453,300
235,142
17,626
13,229
221,651
940,948

Page 30

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Ministry
Cathedral and precincts upkeep
Education and outreach
Community, parish and congregation
Other expenditure		 As restated
Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
352,691
122,465
15,376
550
-
491,082		 As restated
Support
costs
2023
£
19,123
99,992
-
22,613
257,684
399,412		 As restated
Total
funds
2023
£
371,814
222,457
15,376
23,163
257,684
890,494

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Travel & entertainment
Repairs & maintenance
Musician fees
Cathedral insurance
Music outreach project		 Ministry
2024
£
374,459
20,131
-
29,002
-
-
423,592		 Cathedral
and
precincts
upkeep
2024
£
-
-
90,697
-
55,577
-
146,274		 Education
and
outreach
2024
£
17,626
-
-
-
-
-
17,626		 Community,
parish and
congregat'n
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
654
654		 Total
funds
2024
£
392,085
20,131
90,697
29,002
55,577
654
588,146

Page 31

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Staff costs
Travel & entertainment
Repairs & maintenance
Musician fees
Cathedral insurance
Music outreach project		 As restated
Ministry
2023
£
295,136
21,862
-
35,693
-
-
352,691		 As restated
Cathedral
and
precincts
upkeep
2023
£
-
-
82,990
-
39,475
-
122,465		 As restated
Education
and outreach
2023
£
15,376
-
-
-
-
-
15,376		 As restated
Community,
parish and
congregation
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
550
550		 As restated
Total
funds
2023
£
310,512
21,862
82,990
35,693
39,475
550
491,082

Analysis of support costs

Depreciation
Advertising
Printing, stationery & postage
Telephone
Repairs & maintenance
Legal fees
Licences and permits
Utility expenses
Rates
Sundry expenses
Interest and similair charges
payable
Computer expenses
Subscriptions
Investment costs
Accounting and audit fees
Consultancy fees		 Ministry
2024
£
-
7,647
19,610
-
1,989
-
-
-
-
462
-
-
-
-
-
-
29,708		 Cathedral
and
precincts
upkeep
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
76,902
11,966
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
88,868		 Community,
parish and
congregat'n
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
12,575
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12,575		 Other
expenditure
2024
£
79,456
-
3,632
8,096
-
3,456
-
-
-
14,171
14,229
13,439
1,771
6,418
42,857
34,126
221,651		 Total
funds
2024
£
79,456
7,647
23,242
8,096
1,989
3,456
12,575
76,902
11,966
14,633
14,229
13,439
1,771
6,418
42,857
34,126
352,802

Page 32

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

Depreciation
Advertising
Printing, stationery & postage
Telephone
Legal fees
Licences and permits
Utility expenses
Rates
Sundry expenses
Interest and similair charges
payable
Computer expenses
Subscriptions
Investment costs
Accounting and audit fees
Consultancy fees		 As restated
Ministry
2023
£
-
2,324
16,799
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19,123		 As restated
Cathedral
and
precincts
upkeep
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
90,731
9,261
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
99,992		 As restated
Community,
parish and
congregat'n
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
7,375
-
-
15,238
-
-
-
-
-
-
22,613		 As restated
Other
expenditure
2023
£
55,688
-
3,243
6,880
20,611
-
-
-
13,517
32,720
10,763
1,826
16,801
43,568
52,067
257,684		 As restated
Total
funds
2023
£
55,688
2,324
20,042
6,880
20,611
7,375
90,731
9,261
28,755
32,720
10,763
1,826
16,801
43,568
52,067
399,412

Page 33

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10. Auditors' remuneration

2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the Cathedral's auditor for the audit of the Cathedral's
annual accounts 21,950 20,258
Fees payable to the Cathedral's auditor in respect of:
All non-audit services not included above 2,500 4,884

11. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension
schemes		 Group
2024
£
561,764
37,476
20,300
619,540		 Group
As restated
2023
£
410,352
24,578
16,623
451,553		 Charity
2024
£
347,767
26,822
17,496
392,085		 Charity
As restated
2023
£
277,086
18,531
14,895
310,512

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Clerical - full time
Lay - full time
Lay - part time		 Group
2024
No.
3
18
6
27		 Group
2023
No.
3
7
4
14		 Charity
2024
No.
3
13
5
21		 Charity
2023
No.
3
7
4
14

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

Page 34

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

12. Chapter's remuneration and expenses

Three members of Chapter were remunerated for their services in 2024. As authorised by the Cathedrals Measure 1999 and the Cathedral constitution, the remuneration (including pension contributions are paid in accordance with scales laid down annually by the Church Commissioners and the Church of England Pensions Board).

The three members received emoluments during the year as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
Revd. P Howell-Jones Remuneration 41,755 39,477
Pension contributions paid 8,513 8,909
Revd. Canon J Gaffin Remuneration 28,796 -
Pension contributions paid 6,175 -
Canon James Lawrence Remuneration 31,346 30,906
Pension contributions paid 1,228 13,954

In addition these members received reimbursed expenses of £5,524 (2023: £6,842). These stipends are not included in the income and expenditure of the Cathedral, as these are paid directly to the clergy from the Church Commissioners.

Page 35

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13. Tangible fixed assets

Group

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023		 Cathedral
Use
Property
£
3,050,600
-
3,050,600
-
-
-
3,050,600
3,050,600		 Fixtures &
Fittings
£
213,602
144,285
357,887
126,223
42,484
168,707
189,180
87,379		 Cafe
£
403,622
6,243
409,865
309,437
40,730
350,167
59,698
94,185		 Crypt
Development
£
-
313,104
313,104
-
-
-
313,104
-		 Total
£
3,667,824
463,632
4,131,456
435,660
83,214
518,874
3,612,582
3,232,164

Page 36

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13. Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Charity

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023		 Cathedral
Use
Property
£
3,050,600
-
3,050,600
-
-
-
3,050,600
3,050,600		 Fixtures &
Fittings
£
196,089
140,112
336,201
125,184
38,726
163,910
172,291
70,905		 Cafe
£
402,102
6,243
408,345
307,917
40,730
348,647
59,698
94,185		 Crypt
Development
£
-
313,104
313,104
-
-
-
313,104
-		 Total
£
3,648,791
459,459
4,108,250
433,101
79,456
512,557
3,595,693
3,215,690

Page 37

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14. Investment property

Group and Charity

Valuation
At 1 January 2024
At 31 December 2024		 Freehold
investment
property
£
483,400
483,400

Clergy Court was valued as at 31 December 2023 by Lea Haugh Chartered Surveyors. The trustees believe that the value has not materially changed as a result it remains at the same value as 31 December 2023.

15. Fixed asset investments

Group and Charity
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023		 Listed
investments
£
514,004
90,575
(62,146)
(854)
541,579
541,579
514,004		 Unlisted
investments
£
505,619
-
-
10,950
516,569
516,569
505,619		 Total
£
1,019,623
90,575
(62,146)
10,096
1,058,148
1,058,148
1,019,623

16. Cathedral building and Inventory

In accordance with the guidelines for Accounting and Reporting Regulations for English Anglican Cathedrals, the Cathedral building, and Inventory are not included in the financial statements.

The building dates from 1824 and was extended in the twentieth century.

Cathedral Court is included in the financial statements.

All Cathedral buildings (including those in fixed assets) and their contents have an insured value of £37,072,000 (2023: £27,100,000).

Page 38

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

17. Stocks

Goods for sale in shop and catering
18.
Debtors		 Group
2024
£
53,182		 Group
2023
£
43,146		 Charity
2024
£
3,373		 Charity
2023
£
5,030
Due within one year
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Group
2024
£
22,880
-
67,900
57,635
148,415		 Group
2023
£
30,412
-
22,319
52,036
104,767		 Charity
2024
£
14,577
67,465
67,133
52,351
201,526		 Charity
2023
£
24,505
209,513
24,126
46,059
304,203

19. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Other loans
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 Group
2024
£
241,796
129,889
11,420
48,211
96,694
528,010		 Group
2023
£
91,796
116,889
10,801
7,680
244,943
472,109		 Charity
2024
£
241,796
64,559
8,547
12,863
85,299
413,064		 Charity
2023
£
91,796
57,961
5,937
6,771
238,652
401,117

The Church Commissioners value linked loan is repayable in June 2029, together with the entitlement of the Church Commissioners to 22.5% of the proceeds from the sale of the underlying property, the property having been disposed of in 2016 to facilitate the funding of the Cathedral Court. The sum repayable to the Church Commissioners will be the redemption sum as at the point of sale of the underlying property plus RPI from that time until the date of redemption. This loan is included in Other loans. Interest is charged on the loan at RPI.

Included within Other loans is an amount of £150,000 (2023:Other loans >1 year £150,000) from the John Booth Foundation which post year end notification has been received that the loan will be converted to a donation.

Page 39

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

20. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Group Group Charity Charity
2024 2023 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Other loans - 150,000 - 150,000

21. Restatement of comparatives

The comparative financial information contained within these financial statements have been restated as follows:

Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities - Expenditure on Raising Funds has increased by £293,947 and Expenditure on Charitable Activities has reduced by the same amount to account for the Blackburn Enterprises expenditure as a cost of raising funds.

Unrestricted expenditure on Charitable Activities has changed as follows:

Restated Previously Change
Ministry 45,474 196,087 (150,613)
Cathedral and precincts upkeep 171,012 180,687 (9,675)
Community, parish and congregation 7,870 17,448 (9,578)
Other expenditure 241,891 365,972 (124,081)
466,247 760,194 (293,947)

The split of expenditure between direct and support as well as between the various charitable activities has also been restated however in total remains the same as the prior year.

A full analysis of expenditure can be seen in note 9 of the financial statements.

The staff costs note in the comparative year contained the Chapter's remuneration in addition to the staff costs borne by the Chapter itself. As the Chapter's remuneration is paid via a third party, these costs have been removed from the staff costs note.

The Trustees are content that the restatements noted above are required to show a true and fair view and better reflect the underlying nature of the transactions in question. None of the restatements have impacted on the previously reported surplus for the period.

Page 40

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

22. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Designated
Funds
General funds
General Funds
Total
Unrestricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Property
HC Haworth
Chadwick
Memorial
Choristers
Endowment
St Paul's
School
General
Purposes
May Abbott
Trust		 Balance at 1
January
2024
£
143,542
926,773
1,070,315
2,456,002
67,549
481
26,307
1,292
27,701
556,479
3,135,811		 Income
£
-
1,004,011
1,004,011
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Expenditure
£
-
(944,837)
(944,837)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Transfers
in/out
£
-
147,087
147,087
225,097
-
-
-
-
-
-
225,097		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
4,491
4,491
-
334
-
149
7
69
707
1,266		 Balance at
31
December
2024
£
143,542
1,137,525
1,281,067
2,681,099
67,883
481
26,456
1,299
27,770
557,186
3,362,174

Page 41

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

22. Statement of funds (continued)

Restricted
funds
Margaret Kay
Gift
Cathedral
Music Trust
Centenary Fund
Digital media
fund
Pinnacles
Funding
PA Upgrade
System
Changing
Places
Other
Restricted
Funds
May Abbott
Crypt
Development
Repair Fund
Vestments
Fund
Thornber Music
Fund
Outdoor Play
Area
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
January
2024
£
7,064
21,602
(2,281)
-
10,220
18,147
62,000
57,983
146,932
-
143,214
1,938
43,981
22,606
533,406
4,739,532		 Income
£
-
-
103,800
3,179
-
-
4,520
341,493
-
215,000
3,794
48
20,277
-
692,111
1,696,122		 Expenditure
£
-
(12,014)
(53,619)
(3,179)
-
(4,829)
(11,655)
(328,425)
-
-
(33,076)
-
(37,621)
(4,789)
(489,207)
(1,434,044)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(7,064)
-
-
-
(10,220)
(13,318)
(54,865)
(71,184)
(146,932)
(215,000)
164,216
-
-
(17,817)
(372,184)
-		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
133
-
-
3,128
39
888
-
4,188
9,945		 Balance at
31
December
2024
£
-
9,588
47,900
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
281,276
2,025
27,525
-
368,314
5,011,555

Page 42

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

22. Statement of funds (continued)

Funds Carried Forward

The Thornber Music Fund are being applied towards various musical objectives, including the promotion and performance of music to the highest attainable standard.

The Repair Fund will be used for repairs to the cathedral building and fabrics, including some related professional fees.

The Vestments Fund will be used for the repair and replacement of clergy vestments.

Centenary Fund - To support staff and related expenditure for the 2026 celebrations.

Cathedral Music Trust - 2 year contract to fund music administrator

Fully Utilised Funds

The Margaret Kay Gift is to be used for items contributing to the adornment of Blackburn Cathedral, particularly furniture. As part of this work a refurbishment of the Bromsgrove Guild War Memorial has been undertaken.

Digital media fund - This is a sustainability fund to support digital media costs for reputation management.

Pinnacles Funding - The repair of pinnacles on the Lantern Tower

PA Upgrade system - To improve the Cathedral's sound system.

Other restricted funds principally represent the grant received from the Church Commissioners which funds stipends and salaries.

Changing places - To install a "Changing Places" toilet facility.

May Abbott - To be used to support buildings, repairs and maintenance

Crypt Development - To refurbish the crypt into usable space.

Outdoor Play Area - To create a play area in Cathedral Square.

Coronation lunch fund - Funds received to cover the coronation lunch

Page 43

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

22. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Designated Funds
General funds
General funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Endowment funds
Property Fund
H C Haworth fund
The Chadwick Memorial fund
Endowment Chorister's
endowment fund
Endowment St Paul's School
Fund
General Purposes fund
May Abbott		 Balance at
1 January
2023
£
229,159
732,581
961,740
2,038,002
71,473
481
28,059
1,377
28,515
-
2,167,907		 Income
£
-
762,089
762,089
100,000
-
-
-
-
-
574,150
674,150		 Expenditure
£
(54,346)
(705,848)
(760,194)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Transfers
in/out
£
(14,798)
121,478
106,680
318,000
(3,924)
-
(1,752)
(85)
(814)
(17,671)
293,754		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
160,015
910,300
1,070,315
2,456,002
67,549
481
26,307
1,292
27,701
556,479
3,135,811

Page 44

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

22. Statement of funds (continued)

Restricted funds
Repair fund
Pinnacles funding
PA upgrade system
Changing places
May Abbott
Vestments fund
FOBCM fund
Thornber music fund
Outdoor play area
Coronation lunch
Cathedral music trust
Margaret kay gift
Other restricted funds
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 January
2023
£
158,983
-
-
-
-
1,740
17,834
67,841
-
-
-
7,064
65,093
318,555
3,448,202		 Income
£
3,736
21,875
18,147
62,000
564,932
48
-
11,380
25,000
4,250
25,000
-
304,992
1,041,360
2,477,599		 Expenditure
£
(31,258)
(11,655)
-
-
-
-
(17,834)
(38,575)
(2,394)
(4,250)
(3,398)
-
(314,883)
(424,247)
(1,184,441)		 Transfers
in/out
£
11,753
-
-
-
(418,000)
150
-
3,335
-
-
-
-
500
(402,262)
(1,828)		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
143,214
10,220
18,147
62,000
146,932
1,938
-
43,981
22,606
-
21,602
7,064
55,702
533,406
4,739,532

Page 45

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

23. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

Designated
funds
General funds
Endowment
funds
Restricted
funds		 Balance at 1
January
2024
£
143,542
926,773
3,135,811
533,406
4,739,532		 Income
£
-
1,004,011
-
692,111
1,696,122		 Expenditure
£
-
(944,837)
-
(489,207)
(1,434,044)		 Transfers
in/out
£
-
147,087
225,097
(372,184)
-		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
4,491
1,266
4,188
9,945		 Balance at
31
December
2024
£
143,542
1,137,525
3,362,174
368,314
5,011,555

Summary of funds - prior year

Designated funds
General funds
Endowment funds
Restricted funds		 Balance at
1 January
2023
£
229,159
732,581
2,167,907
318,555
3,448,202		 Income
£
-
762,089
674,150
1,041,360
2,477,599		 Expenditure
£
(54,346)
(705,848)
-
(424,247)
(1,184,441)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(14,798)
121,478
293,754
(402,262)
(1,828)		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
160,015
910,300
3,135,811
533,406
4,739,532

24. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current period

Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Tangible fixed assets
931,483
Fixed asset investments
228,268
Investment property
-
Current assets
407,530
Creditors due within one year
(286,214)
Total
1,281,067		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
187,205
-
181,109
-
368,314		 Endowment
funds
2024
£
2,681,099
642,675
483,400
(203,204)
(241,796)
3,362,174		 Total
funds
2024
£
3,612,582
1,058,148
483,400
385,435
(528,010)
5,011,555

Page 46

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

24. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Investment property
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Creditors due in more than one year
Total		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
160,016
222,064
-
913,055
(224,819)
-
1,070,316		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
21,548
183,017
-
328,841
-
-
533,406		 Endowment
funds
2023
£
3,050,600
614,542
483,400
(615,441)
(247,290)
(150,000)
3,135,811		 Total
funds
2023
£
3,232,164
1,019,623
483,400
626,455
(472,109)
(150,000)
4,739,533

25. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Investment income
Increase in stocks
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Decrease in creditors
Income from property
Interest and similair charges
(Gain)/loss on investment
Net cash provided by operating activities		 Group
2024
£
272,023
83,214
(54,050)
(10,036)
(43,648)
(94,251)
(94,096)
20,644
(9,945)
69,855		 Group
2023
£
1,291,330
56,740
(67,922)
(6,640)
8,944
(113,425)
(75,475)
36,407
1,828
1,131,787

Page 47

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

26. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents		 Group
2024
£
183,838
183,838		 Group
2023
£
478,542
478,542

The reduction in the Cash in hand balance is due to accumulated grant funding in preparation for the crypt develpment project.

27. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand
Debt due within 1 year
Debt due after 1 year		 At 1
January
2024
£
478,542
(91,796)
(150,000)
236,746		 Cash flows
£
(294,704)
-
-
(294,704)		 Other non-
cash
changes
£
-
(150,000)
150,000
-		 At 31
December
2024
£
183,838
(241,796)
-
(57,958)

28. Pension commitments

The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund. Contributions payable by the group during the year amounted to £20,300 (2023: £29,405) and have been recognised in the profit and loss account. As at the balance sheet date there were £543 accrued contributions due (2023: £nil).

Page 48

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

29. Related party transactions

Blackburn Cathedral Developments, a company limited by guarantee, is controlled by the Cathedral. The results and balance sheet of the company are consolidated in these accounts. The company made a deficit of £2 (2023: £9,563) during the year and had net liabilities of £30,102 (2023: £30,103) at 31 December 2024. The accounts of the company include income from the Cathedral of £nil (2023: £nil). Included within debtors on the Cathedral's own balance sheet is £18,959 (2023 : £145,350) owed by Blackburn Cathedral Developments

Blackburn Cathedral Enterprises Limited is a company limited by shares and is controlled by the Chapter. The results and balance sheet of the company are consolidated in these accounts. The company made a surplus of £70,092 (2023: £27,368) during the year and had net liabilities of £40,317 (2023: £31,029) at 31 December 2024. The accounts of Blackburn Cathedral Enterprises include income from the Cathedral of £4,270 (2023: £321,311) and expenditure of £25,151 (2023: £nil). Included within debtors on the Chapter's own balance sheet is £35,506 (2023: £64,163) owed from Blackburn Cathedral Enterprises Limited.

The Chapter also paid £13,692 to a company connected to a member of the Cathedral Chapter for accountancy services (2023: £19,280). There was a year end creditor of £720.

The Friends of Blackburn Cathedral and Blackburn Cathedral Trust operate independently of the Chapter but are wholly for the benefit of the Cathedral. Income receivable from these entities in the financial statements.

Friends of Blackburn Cathedral Friends of Blackburn Cathedral Blackburn Cathedral Trust Blackburn Cathedral Trust
2024 2023 2024 2023
Gross Income 8,322 7,695 97,306 50,540
Net income before 6,119 6,674 80,275 32,891
payments to Cathedral
Paid to Cathedral 8,180 27,849 164,600 21,260
Gross assets 135,855 159,291 78,236 162,357
Net assets 135,855 137,916 76,583 160,907
Amounts owed (to)/from - (21,375) - -
Blackburn Cathedral Chapter

The financial statements of the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral, from which these figures are extracted, are unaudited but did receive an independent examination. The examiner found no matters to which he wished to draw attention.

The financial statements of the Blackburn Cathedral Trust, from which these figures are extracted, are unaudited but did receive an independent examination in 2023. The examiner found no matters to which they wished to draw attention. The 2024 figures are extracted from draft accounts yet to be subject to Independent Examination.

The Lantern Music Trust (Registered Charity no. 1203918) exists to provide a long-term endowment to support the music foundation. The Trustees are The Dean, The Canon Precentor, and the Director of Music. Funds held at the end of December 2024 are £34,235.

A close family member of a Chapter member was paid salary costs of of £28,320 in year end 2024, this was partly funded by Blackburn Diocese grant (£13,000).

Page 49

BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

30. Post balance sheet events

An independent audit by INEQE safeguarding group as part of a rolling programme across the church has identified some substantive recommendations in respect of the cathedrals safeguarding policies and procedures. At the point of sign off the Chapter has taken swift and decisive action to implement the most urgent recommendations and are working towards the implementation of all recommendations in full.

The Dean was suspended from duties on 27th June 2025.

Page 50

02702 NF - The Cathedral Church of St Mary The Virgin Blackburn - 2024-12-31 - Final Accounts preparation

Final Audit Report

2025-09-29

Created: 2025-09-18 By: Chelsey Shaw (Chelsey.Shaw@armstrongwatson.co.uk) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAA0_SbC3XhSOa6ueTgSKlhIJVclub5LGEe

"02702 NF - The Cathedral Church of St Mary The Virgin Blackb urn - 2024-12-31 - Final Accounts preparation" History

Document created by Chelsey Shaw (Chelsey.Shaw@armstrongwatson.co.uk)

2025-09-18 - 08:58:52 GMT- IP address: 62.89.135.74

Document emailed to interimdean@blackburncathedral.co.uk for signature 2025-09-18 - 09:17:19 GMT

Email viewed by interimdean@blackburncathedral.co.uk

2025-09-25 - 12:32:25 GMT- IP address: 149.86.86.174

Email viewed by interimdean@blackburncathedral.co.uk

2025-09-26 - 08:13:38 GMT- IP address: 5.61.122.207

Signer interimdean@blackburncathedral.co.uk entered name at signing as Andrew Horsfall 2025-09-26 - 08:21:07 GMT- IP address: 82.3.52.132

Document e-signed by Andrew Horsfall (interimdean@blackburncathedral.co.uk) Signature Date: 2025-09-26 - 08:21:09 GMT - Time Source: server- IP address: 82.3.52.132

Document emailed to davidpgascoigne@gmail.com for signature 2025-09-26 - 08:21:11 GMT

Email viewed by davidpgascoigne@gmail.com

2025-09-26 - 08:26:03 GMT- IP address: 140.248.40.24

Signer davidpgascoigne@gmail.com entered name at signing as David.P.Gascoigne 2025-09-26 - 10:52:44 GMT- IP address: 51.14.74.46

Document e-signed by David.P.Gascoigne (davidpgascoigne@gmail.com) Signature Date: 2025-09-26 - 10:52:46 GMT - Time Source: server- IP address: 51.14.74.46 Document emailed to Karen Rae (karen.rae@armstrongwatson.co.uk) for signature 2025-09-26 - 10:52:48 GMT

Email viewed by Karen Rae (karen.rae@armstrongwatson.co.uk)

2025-09-26 - 11:00:56 GMT- IP address: 62.89.142.49

Signer Karen Rae (karen.rae@armstrongwatson.co.uk) entered name at signing as Armstrong Watson Audit Limited

2025-09-29 - 14:46:35 GMT- IP address: 62.89.135.74

Document e-signed by Armstrong Watson Audit Limited (karen.rae@armstrongwatson.co.uk) Signature Date: 2025-09-29 - 14:46:37 GMT - Time Source: server- IP address: 62.89.135.74

Agreement completed.

2025-09-29 - 14:46:37 GMT