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2024-12-31-accounts

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Trustees' report and financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024 Charity Registration Number: 239857

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Contents

Page
Legal and administrative information 1
Trustees report 2 - 5
Auditors' report to the trustees 6 - 8
Statement of financial activities 9 - 13
Balance sheet 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 19

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Legal and administrative information

Charity number 239857
Registered office Hagley Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B16 8UE
Trustees The Very Reverend Ignatius Harrison
The Reverend Anton Guziel
The Reverend Dominic Edwards
Auditors Barnett Ravenscroft Limited
13 Portland Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B16 9HN
Bankers Svenska Handlesbanken AB
Handlesbanken Corporate Dept.
4th Floor
103 Colmore Row
B3 3AG
Lloyds Bank plc
125 High Street
Harborne
Birmingham
B17 9NP
Solicitors Shakespeare Martineau Solicitors
1 Colmore Square
Birmingham
B4 6AA
Investment Managers Transact
Integrated Financial Arrangements Ltd
29 Clement's Lane
London
EC4N 7AE

Page 1

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Report of the trustees

for the year ended 31 December 2024

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1.

Structure, governance and management

By a Declaration of Trust dated 4 March 1873 the Very Reverend John Henry Newman, the Reverend Ambrose St. John and others being members of the English Congregation called the Oratory of St Philip Neri at Birmingham settled certain property irrecovably and permanently for charitable and particularly religious and educational puposes for the exclusive benefit of persons professing the Roman Catholic Religion.

Under the terms of a further Deed dated 3 October 1942 the Trustees hold the Trust Property upon trust for the advancement and maintenance of the Roman Catholic Religion in England and particularly in or in the vicinity of the City of Birmingham or for charitable objects connected therewith in such manner as the Superior and Council of the Birmingham Oratory in their absolute discretion from time to time think fit and proper.

Appointment of Trustees

The Trustees who served during the year are as shown on page 1. The Trustees take such action as they consider necessary to keep themselves informed of changes in charity law and governance. All matters of policy and management of the Trust are determined by the Trustees at their meetings.

Management

The overall management is entrusted first and foremost to the Provost.

Risk Management

The Trustees have examined the major strategic and operational risks which the charity faces and are satisfied that systems have been established and that all necessary steps have been taken to minimise the effects of all such risks as may exist. They exercise caution in their investment policy so as to preserve enough income for the Oratory's needs.

Financial review

Ongoing discussions have continued in respect of the potential development of the car park and adjacent land. Oratory Square Ltd, is set up for the sole purpose of this development.

There are no other significant reports to be made.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in fixed assets ('the free reserves') should amount to at least £200,000 to meet ongoing expenditure on the regular activities of the charity. As at the year end such reserves were £312,098 (2023 : £258,148), compared with the previous year having had additional one off costs during the year as shown on pages 12 to 13.

Page 2

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024

Investment Policy

The Trustees have wide powers to invest the Charity's funds, and do so in order to generate income to meet the objectives as laid down by the Trust Deed, and obtain capital growth when possible with an eye to future developement.

They have for this purpose arranged for the the Charity's investment portfolio to be managed on a discretionary basis by Barnett Ravenscroft Wealth Management Limited and in formulating their instructions to them they consider the income requirements, the risk profile and the investment manager's view of the market prospects in the medium term. The Trustees also operate an ethical investment policy, avoiding companies involved in armaments and those whose activities are contrary to the Catholic doctrine.

Objectives and activities

The formal objects of the charity are as follows :

" The Trustees hold the Trust property for the advancement and maintenance of the Roman Catholic Religion in England and particularly in the vicinity of the City of Birmingham or for the charitable objects connected therewith. The Trustees may provide and equip churches, chapels, colleges and similiar buildings including orphanages, hospitals and hostels to be used for the Trust's charitable purposes and may assist with money or otherwise any such buildings or other charitable organisations existing from time to time in connection with the work of The Oratory ".

In shaping the charity's objectives for the year and planning its activities the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

The immediate aims of the Charity are to further the formal aims above by :

Achievements and performance

The Archives in the care of the Community consist of the :

Page 3

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024

Co-operation with other churches and bodies

The Oratory being of "Pontifical right" works to some extent independently of the Birmingham Roman Catholic Archdiocese and to some extent with it. Many matters require the Archbishop's help or approval. In all parochial and educational matters it is under the Diocese and works with it.

Each Oratory is autonomous with its Provost, a major Superior, but it is part of a worldwide confederation that meets on an annual or sexennial basis in Rome.

Pastoral work however is confined to our own locality except for the apostolate of individual Fathers which must have community approval. In our own locality including in our primary school, this has continued unabated.

Volunteers

The Fathers of the Oratory (Congregation of the Oratory of St Philip Neri) rely substanially on volunteer help and financial support in many of their pastoral activities, and are much encouraged by the continuing level of commitment from a large number of people over many years.

Website

For further details of the activities of the Oratory please refer to our website www.birminghamoratory.org.uk.

Page 4

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024

Statement as to disclosure of information to auditors

In so far as the trustees are aware:

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, The Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Auditors

Barnett Ravenscroft Limited were appointed auditors and have expressed their willingness to continue and are reappointed for the current year.

Approved by the Trustees on 12 August 2025 and signed on its behalf by :

...................................

The Very Reverend Ignatius Harrison

Page 5

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Independent auditors' report to the trustees of THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri at Birmingham (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet and the related notes. 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 the 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 Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'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

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the trustees' annual report , other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.

Page 6

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

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

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement set out on page 5, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees 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 trustees are responsible for assessing the 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 trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under section 144 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.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

Page 7

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, 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 charity's trustees 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 charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

...........................................

B.D. Eley FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Barnett Ravenscroft Limited Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 12 August 2025

13 Portland Road Edgbaston Birmingham B16 9HN

Page 8

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted 2024 2023
funds Total Total
£ £ £
Incoming resources
Main Trust 296,346 296,346 295,724
Church and Parish 409,106 409,106 406,180
Canonisation Fund - - 830
Total incoming resources 705,452 705,452 702,734
Resources expended
Charitable activities and support costs :
Main Trust 442,886 442,886 416,756
Church and Parish 342,896 342,896 344,112
Canonisation Fund - - -
785,782 785,782 760,868
Governance costs :
Audit fees 8,800 8,800 8,650
Total resources expended 794,582 794,582 769,518
Net outgoing resources before other
recognised gains and losses for the year (89,130 ) (89,130 ) (66,784 )
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before
other recognised gains and losses (89,130 ) (89,130 ) (66,784 )
Other recognised gains and losses
Listed Investments :
Realised 45,336 45,336 83,165
Unrealised 414,208 414,208 377,370
Investment management costs (57,160 ) (57,160 ) (57,221 )
402,384 402,384 403,314
Net movement in funds 313,254 313,254 336,530
Total funds brought forward 15,748,579 15,748,579 15,412,050
Total funds carried forward 16,061,833 16,061,833 15,748,580

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.

All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.

The notes on pages 15 to 19 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 9

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Main Trust
Income resources from charitable activities :
Donations and gifts
Benefactions
Sundry income
Museum
Sundry donations
Royalties and book sales
Investment income
Rents receivable
Investment income and interest received
Total
Church and Parish
Income resources from charitable activities
Donations and gifts
Offertory collections
Diocesan collections
Other collections
Collections for third parties
Donations
Restoration fund
Gift Aid Provision
Sundries
Incoming resources from generating funds
Weddings, funerals, candles, alms and stole fees
Piety stall
Chaplaincies
Room hire and sale of refreshments
Total
2024
Total
£
-
1,770
2,569
280
1,106
5,725
49,486
241,135
290,621
296,346
2024
Total
£
244,607
355
52,135
8,773
9,409
-
23,510
7,712
346,501
39,247
17,882
2,000
3,476
62,605
409,106
2023
Total
£
5,681
895
2,079
320
4,597
13,572
32,151
250,001
282,152
295,724
2023
Total
£
201,705
465
32,901
5,800
3,824
7,201
69,927
24,039
345,862
40,961
13,567
2,000
3,790
60,318
406,180

Page 10

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
Total Total
Canonisation Fund £ £
Income resources from charitable activities
Donations and gifts
Donations - 830
- 830
Total Incoming Resources 705,452 702,734

Page 11

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Charities activities and support :
Main Trust
Community allowances
Seminary and university costs
Rev J Tolhurst
Provisions and catering
Temporary kitchen staff
Pilmgrimage deficit
Repairs and renovations
Cardinal Newman library and room
Legal fees
Light, heat and water
Insurances
Postage, printing and stationery
Council tax
Telephone and IT expenses
Motor and travel expenses
Staff wages, social security and pension costs
Household cleaning
Sundries
Bank charges
Motor depreciation
2024
Total
£
60,732
18,114
6,852
63,456
362
-
51,611
-
7,592
80,941
28,105
422
9,023
5,305
13,298
72,667
11,389
9,733
599
2,685
442,886
2023
Total
£
64,215
17,328
6,852
57,636
1,875
145
66,325
19,175
-
48,427
27,656
476
6,952
5,914
15,760
58,651
10,290
5,905
489
2,685
416,756

Page 12

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Charities activities and support :
Church and Parish
Music provision
Organ servicing
Altar society purchases
Parish expenses
Light, heat and water
Insurances
Repairs and maintenance
Candles, particles and wine
Donations and honoraria
Vestments and sacred vessels etc
Bank charges
Telephone and IT expenses
Staff wages, social security and pension costs
Motor and travel expenses
Sundries
Collections remitted
Piety stall
Total
2024
Total
£
70,854
-
2,488
6,881
24,518
65,629
41,068
11,506
60
1,440
2,011
5,230
83,275
2,835
780
15,734
8,587
342,896
785,782
2023
Total
£
83,552
-
2,661
5,768
31,050
62,944
14,218
12,236
-
3,065
1,828
5,914
86,313
4,055
551
15,223
13,601
344,112
760,868

Page 13

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Balance sheet as at 31 December 2024

2024
Notes
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
4
6,106,862
Investments
Listed investments
5
8,425,243
14,532,105
Current assets
Debtors
6
1,061,209
Short term deposits
6
179,610
Cash at bank and in hand
318,367
1,559,186
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
7
)
(29,458
Net current assets
1,529,728
Net assets
16,061,833
Represented by Funds
9
Unrestricted funds:
General fund
9,466,448
Revaluation reserve
6,595,385
16,061,833
Restricted Funds
Newman Canonisation Fund
-
Total funds
16,061,833
2023
£
£
6,109,547
8,708,382
14,817,929
516,477
176,585
264,417
957,479
)
(26,828
930,651
15,748,580
9,566,573
6,181,177
15,747,750
830
15,748,580

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 12 August 2025 and signed on its behalf by

The Very Reverend Ignatius Harrison Trustee

The notes on pages 15 to 19 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 14

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

1. Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding year.

1.1. Basis of accounting

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice' issued in March 2005 (SORP 2005) and the Charities Act 2011.

1.2. Cashflow

The charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS1 from the requirement to produce a cashflow statement because it is a small charity.

1.3. Incoming resources

Income from properties and investments is accounted for in the year in which it is receivable. Voluntary income and other incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when recivable.

1.4. Resources expended

Expenditure on charitable activities, governance and generating funds is recognised and accounted for in the year to which it relates.

Governance costs comprise the costs associated with involving the public accountability of the Charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory audit, legal and other professional fees.

1.5. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

The initial cost incurred by the Oratory in providing buildings, fixtures, fittings and equipment and motor vehicles is capitalised. Renewals of furnishings and fittings are charged to revenue . The cost less residual value of the remaining short life assets is written off to reveune over the expected useful life, as follows:

Freehold buildings are not depreciated on the grounds that they are maintained regularly to a high standard and, in the opinion of the trustees, the estimated residual value is so high and the anticipated useful life so long that any depreciation is unlikey to be material in the context of the accounts. The trustees have carefully considered any impairment in the carrying value of the properties and a provision is not considered necessary.

1.6. Investments

Investments held as fixed assets are revalued at market value at the balance sheet date and the gain or loss taken to the statement of financial activities.

1.7. VAT

Value added tax is not recoverable by the charity and as such is included in the relevent costs in the Balance Sheet and Statement of Financial Activities.

Page 15

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

2. Charitable status and taxation

As a charity, The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri at Birmingham, is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 478 of the Taxes Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen within the charity.

3. Salaries and wages

Salaries and wages
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
2024
£
149,115
5,514
1,313
155,942
2023
£
138,716
4,576
1,672
144,964

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2023 : None).

Number of employees

The average monthly numbers of employees (including the trustees) during the year, calculated on the basis of full time equivalents, was as follows:


Sacristan
Management and administration
Doormen
Catering
2024
Number

2
1
2
1
6
2023
Number
2
1
2
1
6

Page 16

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Land and
Fixtures,
4.
Tangible fixed assets
buildings fittings and
freehold
equipment
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024 and
At 31 December 2024
5,916,897
225,748
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
-
39,153
Charge for the year
-
-
At 31 December 2024
-
39,153
Net book values
At 31 December 2024
5,916,897
186,595
At 31 December 2023
5,916,897
186,595
Motor
vehicles
Total
£
£
10,740
6,153,385
4,685
43,838
2,685
2,685
7,370
46,523
3,370
6,106,862
6,055
6,109,547

The Trustees have considered the valuation previously attributed to the freehold properties and are of the opinion that the value remains appropriate as at 31 December 2024. The trustees have also considered the need for an impairment review and have concluded that no signs of impairment have ocurred.

Due to the unique nature of the property and its deed of convenant surrounding the property it is very difficult to fairly value.

Page 17

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

5. Fixed asset investments
2024 2023
£ £
Listed Investments
Cost
At 1 January 2024 8,192,204 8,589,391
Additions 787,687 414,579
Withdrawals (922,000 ) (730,000 )
Disposals (45,336 ) (81,766 )
At 31 December 2024 8,012,555 8,192,204
Surplus/(deficit) on revaluation
At 1 January 2024 516,178 138,807
Eliminated on disposals (516,178 ) (138,807 )
Adjustment for the year 412,688 516,178
At 31 December 2024 412,688 516,178
Market value
At 31 December 2024 8,425,243 8,708,382
At 31 December 2023 8,708,382 8,728,198
Investments at market value comprised
Equities and unit trusts 8,425,243 8,708,382
8,425,243 8,708,382

All investments are quoted on the UK Stock Exchange and have been acquired within the Trustees' powers.

The consolidated fixed asset investments have continued to provide a return as expected with appointed fund management Barnett Ravenscroft Wealth Management Limited.

6. Debtors

Debtors
2024
£
Amounts owed by group undertakings
981,467
Sundry debtors and prepayments
79,742
1,061,209
Short term deposits
179,610
1,240,819
2023
£
427,213
89,264
516,477
176,585
693,062

Page 18

THE ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI AT BIRMINGHAM

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

7. Creditors: amounts falling due

Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 2024 2023
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 29,458 26,828

8. Funds

Unresticted General Fund

This comprises those funds which the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable object.

Revaluation Reserve

This represents the unrealised surplus arising on the revaluation of properties and listed investments.

9. Analysis of net assets by fund

Analysis of net assets by fund
**General ** Revaluation Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Fixed assets 7,936,720 6,595,385 14,532,105
Net current assets/(liabilities) 1,529,728 - 1,529,728
Net assets at 31 December 2024 9,466,448 6,595,385 16,061,833
Net assets at 31 December 2023 9,567,403 6,181,177 15,748,580

10. Transactions with trustees

As members of the Congregation the Trustees' living expenses were borne by the charity. No remuneration was paid to any Trustee from Charity Funds during the year. Payments to meet clothing and other incidental expenses are made to the Oratory Fathers.

Other than stated above no Trustees had a beneficial interest in any contract with the charity.

Page 19