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2025-04-05-accounts

Charity registration number 700426

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Fr N Enzama Deacon D Gozzard Mrs A J Snowden Dr A J McCulloch Rt Rev P Brignall Canon F G Doyle Mr K McDonogh Canon T Carr Mr C Ryan Charity number (England and Wales) 700426 Principal address Bishop's House Sontley Road Wrexham LL13 7EW Auditor Champion Accountants LLP 2nd Floor Refuge House 33-37 Watergate Street Chester Cheshire CH1 2LE Bankers National Westminster Bank 33 Lord Street Wrexham LL11 1LP Solicitors Allington Hughes Law 10 Grosvenor Road Wrexham LL11 1SD

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report and statements of Trustees responsibilities 1 - 10
Independent auditor's report 11 - 13
Consolidated Statement of financial activities 14
Consolidated balance sheet and parent charity balance sheet 15 - 16
Consolidation Statement of cash flows 17
Notes to the financial statements 18 - 40

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2025.

The Trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 Trustees are incorporated as 'Wrexham Diocesan Trustees Registered'.

Constitution:

  1. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Wrexham was established by a decree of Pope John Paul II on 18 March 1987, and consists of the Counties Conwy, Anglesey, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Wrexham and the District of Montgomery in the County of Powys. There are twenty nine parishes in this area, divided into four Episcopal Vicariates. The Diocese is a charitable trust established and constituted by a Trust Deed dated 20 June 1988 and is registered under the Charities Act 1993, Charity registration Number 700426.

  2. The Trustees were incorporated on 7 November 1991 as the Wrexham Diocesan Trustees Registered, and operate under the title 'Diocese of Wrexham'. The names of the Trustees during the period covered by this report are shown under Legal and Administrative information. For convenience, the Trustees may be referred to as 'The Board of Trustees'.

  3. The Diocesan Bishop, in accordance with the Trust Deed, is authorised to appoint new trustees to fill vacancies arising through the resignation or death of an existing trustee. Appointment of trustees is governed by the Trust Deed of the Charity. The Diocesan Bishop is also authorised to remove trustees. The Diocesan Bishop has an obligation to supervise the administration of property and finances of the Diocese, but the duty and right of control remains that of the Trustees in charity law. Under the terms of the Trust Deed the Bishop may be a trustee of the charity.

  4. The Board of Trustees comprises clergy and laity of the faithful. The clergy Trustees are appointed for their expertise in parochial, spiritual and pastoral matters, and sometimes for other additional experience. Lay Trustees are selected for relevant specialism(s) in finance, business, and /or education. New Trustees are provided with terms of reference and a pack of information relating to the constitution, governance and operation of the Trust. Trustees are expected to visit the Curial Office as well as to be familiar with the work of parishes. A formal induction programme is provided for new Trustees; they receive copies of relevant Charity Commission guidance and are encouraged to participate in training and other events to help them better understand their responsibilities.

Aims & objectives of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wrexham

  1. The principal aims of the charity are:

  2. The advancement of the Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Wrexham and elsewhere

  3. The support of pastoral and apostolic works in parishes and local communities

  4. The promotion of Catholic teaching and education

  5. The provision and maintenance of churches, presbyteries and schools

  6. The provision and care of priests

  7. These aims and objectives are reflected in the accounts of the Charity under the three broad activity headings: - Worship,

  8. Support of clergy and

  9. Apostolic works

In pursuit of these aims and objectives through its organisational structure the Charity carried out the following main activities, and set these particular objectives for attention as part of its broad strategy in the report period.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Organisation of the Charity during the Year

  1. Diocesan administration and centrally provided services of the Diocese continued for the most part to be based in the Curial offices, close to Bishop's House. To help guide the provision and implementation of central services a number of Diocesan Committees or Commissions continued their work. The aims of the Charity have been pursued and to a large extent achieved through these services and through the work of parishes, schools and various Catholic societies and other organisations in the Diocese. Management of financial, property and legal responsibilities of the Trust has remained with the Board of Trustees which has met, and continues to meet, on a regular basis. On finance and property matters the Trustees have continued to be advised mainly by a 'Financial Secretariat' that meets usually fortnightly or otherwise as necessary, as well as by other professional staff, and subcommittees, including voluntary professionals, and external professional consultants as and when required. The day to day administration of the parishes and schools remained delegated to the parish priests and school governors respectively.

  2. The central funds of the Diocese continued to be managed by the Diocesan Trustees, save that the Diocesan Education Committee undertook the management of the central Schools Account in accordance with the wishes and instructions of the Trustees. Local parish funds were managed on behalf of the Trustees by the parish priests, advised by parish finance committees.

  3. The Board of Trustees met on four occasions during the financial year to deal with financial, property and legal matters, pastoral matters being normally considered by other appropriate Diocesan committees, the Bishop's Consultors, the Council of Priests, and in the Bishop's regular meetings with his Vicar General. The Committees, appointed by and reporting to the Trustees, consisted of the Financial Secretariat, comprising senior clergy and lay professional people experienced to varying degrees in commerce, finance, law, investment and property matters; the Education Committee comprising senior clergy and lay professional people experienced in education; a Remuneration & Terms of Service Advisory Committee comprising clergy and lay members with relevant experience, and an Internal Audit Panel comprising clergy and lay members with appropriate knowledge and experience. Other Committees, such as the St Winefride's Well Committee - at Holywell, also normally referred to the Trustees matters arising which had implications for Diocesan resources.

  4. The parishes in the Diocese were established and operate in accordance with the Church's Code of Canon Law, which bestows on them separate canonical status. Under Canon Law, the parishes of the Diocese are juridical persons. Each parish has a finance committee to help the parish priest with advice in the administration of finances and other assets of the parish. The spiritual and financial administration of each parish is the responsibility of the parish priest. Parishes of the Diocese are grouped into 4 Episcopal Vicariates to facilitate consultation and collaboration on certain common matters. Each Episcopal Vicariate is led by a priest appointed by the Bishop as Episcopal Vicar.

  5. The Diocese has 3 voluntary-aided secondary schools, one of which is now a shared-faith school with the Church-in-Wales; and 14 voluntary-aided primary schools.

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DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Administrative and advisory bodies

  1. The day to day financial management of the Diocese, in accordance with decisions of the Trustees, was undertaken by:

Rt Rev Peter M Brignall Bishop of Wrexham Mr Keith McDonogh Chair of Trustees Canon Terence Carr Chair of Financial Secretariat Mrs Rebecca Garratt Executive Business Manager Mrs Dominique Gresty PA to the Bishop

  1. For the purposes of Canon Law, the Board of Trustees was, and continues to be, the Finance Committee of the Diocese.

  2. Besides the Trustees' Financial Secretariat, other Diocesan Commission(s) and Committees included:

  3. Diocesan Family Life Commission; which provides information to parishes and arranges relevant events related to family life.

  4. The Council of Priests; which normally meets with the Bishop three times a year to discuss and provide views/ recommendations on a range of strategic and other issues.

  5. College of Consultors; currently dormant, comprises the 4 Episcopal Vicariates.

  6. Diocesan Pastoral Council; currently dormant but normally involves clergy and lay representatives from across the Diocese in meetings usually held twice a year to discuss particular pastoral issues.

  7. Diocese of Wrexham Education Committee; provides a focus for the development of education policies for the Diocese, and works closely with schools both on an individual basis and in Deaneries where there is an opportunity to discuss and explore local issues and developing trends.

  8. Diocesan Liturgy Commission; provides advice and arranges training on liturgical issues as necessary.

  9. Diocesan Commission for Ongoing Ministerial Formation; arranges events, topics and speakers for ongoing formation of Diocesan clergy.

  10. Diocesan Youth Commission; publicises and organises youth events and youth involvement in selected events outside of the Diocese. Provides advice on establishment of youth groups in parishes.

  11. Diocesan Safeguarding Commission; oversees safeguarding arrangements throughout the Diocese and compliance with national policies for Dioceses of England and Wales.

  12. Diocesan Commissioner for Evangelisation and Mission; provides information and advice on initiatives and relevant events.

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DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Public Benefit

  1. In the faith tradition of the Diocese 'Catholicism' is a lived religion. In other words, faith without good works is rather meaningless. The aims and objectives of the Charity therefore seek to put into practice the Gospel values and teachings of Jesus Christ, who said "You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart" and "You shall love your neighbour as yourself". In parish churches, retreat, and other centres, the Diocese has enabled worship of God through the celebration of Mass and other Services, as well as promoting prayer in the home, and love of neighbour. Accordingly, spiritual benefit can be had by all who choose to avail of the worship and other services offered. And many within parishes, reach out beyond their own congregations both locally, nationally, and indeed internationally, to help those in need; this is done through all sorts of initiatives from simple collections at the end of Mass to more practical assistance, such as contributions to foodbanks, assisting disabled people, supporting the bereaved, and visiting the sick at home and in hospital.

  2. Catholic schools have continued to be populated by both Catholic and non-Catholic children whose parents value not just their proven educational excellence, but also the moral codes and practices which they pursue. The young adults leaving our schools will go on to become valued members of society. Our churches and the services of our clergy are open to all who wish to explore whether the Catholic Church can help them to enrich their spiritual lives.

  3. The Trustees believe that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the 2006 Charities Act to give due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission in determining the activities of the Charity.

Achievements and Performance

  1. The Trustees consider that the performance of the Charity in the year has been satisfactory, despite the growing pressures arising from fewer priests in the Diocese.

  2. The maintenance of a satisfactory level of worship and other parish activities during the year has again continued to be greatly helped by the valued contribution of a number of priests from abroad. Efforts to foster vocations have continued. Permanent Deacons have continued to help free up priests for those activities for which they were ordained.

  3. The Diocese planned to continue, and where possible improve, the level of service and activities necessary for continued achievement of the Charity's main aims and objectives. In line with its strategy, and the Bishop's Pastoral Plan, it set particular objectives/actions for attention during the last year, including those on-going items carried forward. These and the achievements/outcomes in regard to them were noted below:-

(a) GDPR is now embedded across the Diocese and queries and referrals managed through the Curial office. The IT strategy is monitored to ensure systems remain fit for purpose.

(b) Undertake with external help the update and issue to parishes of guidance on Health and Safety. The Manual of guidance has been updated and, with permission, has been made available for access by parishes on the Diocesan website.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

(c) Implementation of Bishop’s Pastoral Plan.

This plan has been revised to address the declining number of priests serving the Diocese and the fall in attendance at Sunday Mass among the people. The plan aims to ensure that Mass is still celebrated in the greatest number of places with the fewest number of priests. To achieve this aim:

(d) On-going implementation of the third part of the Bishop’s Pastoral Plan concerned with development of the sense of Mission and Evangelisation.

(e) Ensure continued actions and support of project for the upgrading/ modernising of the historic St. Winefride’s Well Shrine and Museum and related facilities in Holywell. Meetings and contact with the County Council and the Diocesan legal advisers have taken place and efforts are continuing to resolve site issues with the Council. Interim improvements have been made in the operation of the Shrine and display of the museum artefacts.

  1. The provision of services and the ability to cater for the training of students for the priesthood and the permanent diaconate continued to be recognised as dependent on sound finances amongst other things. Most of the funds raised and expended were those of parishes in support of local activities, and so parishes continued to be the bedrock of the Diocese. Parishes also supported the work of the Diocese and the Church through the transfer of funds (e.g. parish levy) and through cooperation with other Christian Churches in 'Cytun' (Churches Together) and other relevant organisations.

  2. Through repairs and maintenance, and other minor works, the Board of Trustees continued to actively manage the Diocesan investment in church properties; it has sought to have them maintained in good condition suitable for worship, and fully compliant with Health and Safety required standards. This has continued to be given particular attention by the Bishop during his pastoral visitation to parishes. When required to meet particular needs, property has been acquired as necessary and when no longer needed it has been disposed of usually by sale or made available by lease or rental subject to professional advice.

  3. The Board of Trustees continued its commitment to ensuring sound cash flow over the Diocese as a whole and budgeting continued to be developed with the aim, among other things, of deficit reduction. Allocation of Budget Holder responsibilities to identified Cost Centres for various centrally provided services continued. The annual Finance Information Clergy Day (for clergy of the Diocese, including appropriate lay personnel) was held in October 2025.

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DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

  1. Parish congregations continued to provide their generous support through donations, gifts and legacies and thus provided a valuable source of income for the Charity i.e. £2,275,802 excluding restricted funds and grants. During the year the Diocese received legacy income of £79,872. The Charitable Trust has continued to encourage the use of gift aided donations and over £242,405 was reclaimed by way of tax rebate on gift aided income during the year. The Charitable Trust also enjoyed continued support from the Department for Education of the Welsh Government towards the building and maintenance of Roman Catholic schools within the Diocese

  2. The Diocese' Safeguarding arrangements for the protection of children and vulnerable adults were overseen by its Safeguarding Management Commission. The Commission continued to promote best practice ensuring that upto-date national and diocesan policies and procedures for effective child protection were understood and in place across the Diocese. It relied on the local parish representatives in each parish to implement effective arrangements for those working with children or vulnerable adults, and to deal competently and promptly with any suspicion or allegation of abuse of any kind. The Diocese' Safeguarding arrangements were subject to external audit in 2023. Out of eight standards that were audited, six were judged to be making firm progress and two were judged to be achieving results. The Diocesan safeguarding arrangements are now subject to six-monthly ‘ check in’ meetings with CSSA and an annual self-assessment. Another full audit has taken place in late 2025 and shows further progress. The executive summary of the audit can be viewed on CSSA website.

  3. With regard to our schools and education, the Diocesan Education Committee continued its role in providing a focus for the development of education policies for the Diocese, and in working with schools both on an individual basis and in groups (Deaneries) where there was opportunity to discuss and explore local issues and developing trends.

  4. The Diocese Director continues to support the work of our Catholic schools providing quality information, training, guidance, assistance with the implementation of advice on disciplinary issues, other advice and support to head teachers and governors. Principal tasks included monitoring and developing religious education, Section 50 inspection of schools, recruitment and retention of senior staff, governance, the support of newly appointed heads, planning for school places and development and maintenance of school buildings. The Schools Director maintained liaison with other Dioceses, the Catholic Education Service and National Board of Religious Inspectors and Advisers, sharing and keeping abreast of best practice. Close working with the local authorities concerned was also maintained.

  5. The average number attending weekly Mass for the calendar year ended 31 December 2024 was 4,050 compared to 3,923 in 2023, 3,651 in 2022, 2,572 in 2021, 2,008 in 2020, 4,890 in 2019.

28 .The following are further pastoral statistics for the Diocese which gives some indication of the health and well-being of its pastoral life:

Baptisms to age 7
Receptions
First Communions
Marriages
Confirmations
Deaths
2024
218
9
255
13
60
311
2023
197
11
245
45
126
330
2022
256
14
336
40
67
337
2021
195
39
177
26
80
350
2020
109
9
93
6
3
362

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Serving the people of the Diocese were 29 parishes and 18 Roman Catholic schools (3 secondary, 14 primary and 1 independent) together with a number of other Catholic societies and organisations. The schools comprised 3 voluntary- aided secondary schools, one of which is a shared-faith school with the Church-in-Wales, and 14 voluntary-aided primary schools. During the year there were 8 Diocesan priests working in the Diocese, 8 priests of religious orders and 14 priests on temporary appointment from overseas, with 11 permanent deacons, as well as retired clergy.

  1. The Diocesan' Cathedral, and 19 of the other churches and chapels of the Diocese were listed buildings (either as Grade II or Grade II*) under the Historic Buildings legislation in Wales.

Financial Review

  1. Details of the income and expenditure of the charity for 2024-25 are shown in the statement of financial activities and in the notes to the accounts. The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements do not include any value for school properties as the Trustees consider these to be inalienable.

  2. The Diocese has set out its charitable expenditure using the Church's teaching on the purposes for its asset holdings. These are - pursuit of divine worship, support of clergy and other ministers, performance of the Church's apostolic works, and works of charity especially for the needy.

  3. 'Apostolic' works of the Diocese includes education as well as pastoral care, with education being a substantial element. Support of the needy is catered for through many parish activities as well as third party collections; these collections are not classified as Diocesan income but as conduit funds even though the money raised is through the parishes.

  4. The Reserves of the charity at 5 April 2025 totaled £16.7m (£16.8m in 2023-24) of which £14.6m including designated funds of £2.9m were unrestricted, £7.8m being available for general use.

  5. Total income amounted to £3,264,578 (£2,940,796 in 2023-24) and total expenditure was £3,090,178 (£2,637,113 in 2023-24). The net result after realised and unrealised gains/losses was a deficit of £42,470 for the year compared to a surplus of £858,565 in 2023-24.

  6. The accounts include the assets, liabilities and transactions of Curial and Parish funds:

  7. Curial funds: - are used to support the Bishop in providing Diocesan central services and pastoral care and to meet the cost of central administration. The Curial funds are administered by staff within the Curial offices at Bishop's House.

  8. Parochial funds: - are administered, with guidance from the Curial office, and advice of parish finance committees, by the parish priests, and are used to carry out the work of the Church within local areas. The vast majority of income received by parishes is through the Sunday offertory and other donations. This source of income is approximately 68% of the parish total.

Properties

  1. Acquisitions and disposals of fixed assets during the year are recorded in the notes to the accounts. The Trustees are of the opinion that the open market value of freehold land and buildings is in excess of the net book value at which they are disclosed on the balance sheet. Besides the many churches, presbyteries and halls in use for pastoral activities, the Diocese is also the legal owner of 17 school properties comprising voluntary aided schools within the Diocese. The schools are funded through a combination of government/LEA grants, Diocesan levies, and voluntary contributions. The nature and basis of occupation of the school properties means that the Trustees do not have the power to dispose of the land and buildings until a school ceases occupation, which in turn requires the approval of the school governors and the Minister of Education & Lifelong Learning. Consequently, the land and buildings are deemed inalienable and are not capitalised in the attached accounts.

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DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

  1. The non-property assets, liabilities and transactions of the schools are not included in these accounts as they are neither owned nor controlled by the Charity.

  2. For any properties held for investment purposes these will be included at market value. The cost of functional Church property (Churches, presbyteries, halls etc) is recognised at deemed cost. The Trustees continue to review their property portfolio and to realise such property subject to requirements, when market conditions and valuations are appropriate. The Trustees recognise the changing factors affecting the Diocese and have continued to formulate and review programmes to address the future financial issues that the Diocese is likely to face. These areas include making adequate provision for the ongoing capital maintenance of the substantial properties of the Diocese and of the schools.

A contract for a new primary school in Bangor has been signed with contributions by the Diocese being recognised as charitable expenditure.

Volunteers

  1. Special mention must again be made of the considerable number of volunteers who helped in all aspects of the work of the Diocese. Without their help, parishes in particular could not function effectively. The Diocesan Trustees, parish clergy, and employees, are most grateful to all the volunteers for giving so much time and effort whether that help is in serving on the altar, cleaning of buildings, assisting with the parish finances, or in the many other duties arising in parish life. Parishes do not only look to their own needs, but many give help to the sick, elderly, homeless and disadvantaged in their local communities through their parish organisations and volunteers.

Plans for the Future

  1. The Trustees plan to maintain and where possible improve the level of services and activities necessary for the continued achievement in the future of the Charity's aims and objectives set out in 5 above. Particular actions that are planned include:

40.1.Continue to implement as and when appropriate particular elements of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan ‘Into the Future’ (1 & 2). This has been revised to reflect changing conditions in the diocese.

40.2. Continue to monitor the work on upgrade of the Diocesan information and IT and financial management systems across the Diocese so as to achieve better GDPR safeguards and effectiveness in communications and reporting

40.3. Continue work to foster the sense of mission and evangelisation throughout the Diocese including encouragement of lay involvement in work of parishes.

40.4. Arrange for the update and submission of reports to the Arts Council necessary for maintenance of Accreditation of the St. Winefride’s Well Shrine Museum and continue actions necessary to prepare for and bring about upgrading/modernisation of the historic St. Winefride’s Well Shrine in Holywell.

40.5. Undertake a comprehensive review of the costs and funding of St. Winefride’s Well Shrine with a view to securing improvements in running costs/overheads.

40.6. Monitor and review the recently introduced structure of four Episcopal Vicariates replacing the previous six Deaneries.

Connected Persons and Charities

  1. Diocesan parish priests and other clergy may belong to a Religious Order/Congregation outside of the jurisdiction of the Diocesan Trust. These Orders or Congregations exist as separate charities in their own right. Their funds and assets including the parish church and other property if owned by the Order/Congregation are strictly excluded from the Diocesan financial statements.

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DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Reserves Policy

  1. The Diocese held free reserves at the end of the year that amounted to approximately 2 years' expenditure. These exclude tangible fixed assets held for charitable use as these assets could not be realised without undermining the work of the Diocese. In determining the desired level of free reserves, the Trustees have been especially mindful of the substantial and long term requirements of the Diocese, including clergy training, retirement and care, schools provision and property maintenance. It is therefore the Trustees' intention to establish and keep under review a level of unrestricted reserves, excluding functional Diocesan property, to meet these commitments. The free reserves whilst helping to secure the long term financial security of the Diocese at the same time are designed to generate investment income that can help meet the running costs of the Curial office.

Risk Management

  1. The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those relating to the specific operational areas of the Charity, its investments and its finances. The Trustees believe that by monitoring reserve levels, by ensuring controls exist over key financial systems, and by examining the operational and business risks faced by the Charity, they have established effective systems to mitigate exposure to those major risks.

Investment Powers and Restrictions

  1. The Trust Deed authorises the Trustees to make and hold investments using the general funds of the Charity. Details of such investments are given in the notes to the accounts. The overall objective for the portfolio is to achieve the best possible returns while at all times having regard to the security of the funds, and the adherence to acceptable ethical criteria given the nature of the Charity, within the law governing those investments and the directives of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Investment Policy and Performance

  1. The investment policy has been decided by the Trustees, and agreed with the fund managers. Its implementation has and continues to be monitored by the Financial Secretariat, using independent benchmark criteria agreed with both its investment managers Quilter Cheviot and Cazenove. Both portfolios have been adjusted following discussion between Trustees and the respective Investment Managers to include funds which better reflect the ethical investment policies of the Diocese and of CaTEW. Some structural changes have also been agreed and performance will be subject to quarterly review in the coming financial year.

  2. Regular reviews have continued to be made of the properties held by the Diocese to determine their place in the life of the Diocese and in helping to secure its future financial independence and viability. Surplus land / property continued to be identified where and when appropriate as suitable for sale. Inevitably the economic situation and its effects on the financial & property markets have had effect on the valuation of the Diocesan investment portfolios but both our fund managers have adopted a cautious stance in the management of the funds placed with them.

  3. Our website www.rcdwxm.org.uk gives much helpful and valuable information about the life and activities of the Diocese. Another source of information is our monthly publication, 'Clarion', which is available on the Diocesan website.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

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 Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

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 the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those 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 to 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.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr K McDonogh Trustee

27 January 2026

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Diocese of Wrexham and its subsidiary (the 'group') for the year ended 5 April 2025 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, the consolidated balance sheet, the parent charity balance sheet, the consolidated statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their presentation 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 Auditor's 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 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

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees 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 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 Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the 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 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, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

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 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees responsibilities, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they 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 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 Trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charity, cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor 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 auditor's 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.

Extent to which the audit is considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

The responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities, including fraud, lies with the trustees and with those charged with governance of the charity. The objectives of our audit in respect of irregularities and fraud are to assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud, to obtain sufficient, appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

Audit procedures

We determine significant applicable laws and regulations through discussion with those charged with governance of the charity and our own knowledge of the charity sector and design audit procedures to help identify instances of non-compliance with those laws and regulations that may have a material effect on the financial statements.

We consider the applicable laws and regulations to be the financial reporting framework (FRS 102), Charity Law, the relevant tax regulations in the UK, employment law, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Safeguarding legislation.

The key procedures we undertook to detect irregularity, including fraud, during the course of the audit included:

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

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 auditor’s 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.

Susan Harris MA ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
Champion Accountants LLP 27 January 2026
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor 2nd Floor
Refuge House
33-37 Watergate Street
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2LE

Champion Accountants LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Unrestricted
funds
2025
Notes
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
2,298,068
Other trading activities
4
281,303
Investments
5
225,328
Other income
6
274,779
Total income and endowments
3,079,478
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
79,161
Charitable activities
8
2,803,775
Total expenditure
2,882,936
Net gains/(losses) on investments
12
(253,976)
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
(57,434)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 6 April 2024
14,619,675
Fund balances at 5 April 2025
14,562,241
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
5,042
-
139,037
-
40,237
784
-
-
184,316
784
4,286
114
202,842
-
207,128
114
36,146
960
13,334
1,630
1,707,964
435,319
1,721,298
436,949
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2025
2024
£
£
2,303,110
1,716,731
420,340
261,877
266,349
245,635
274,779
523,802
3,264,578
2,748,045
83,561
77,260
3,006,617
2,386,972
3,090,178
2,464,232
(216,870)
533,136
(42,470)
816,949
16,762,958
13,802,726
16,720,488
14,619,675
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
5,573
-
148,360
-
38,112
706
-
-
192,045
706
3,822
101
168,958
-
172,780
101
18,300
3,446
37,565
4,051
1,670,399
431,268
1,707,964
435,319
Total
2024
£
1,722,304
410,237
284,453
523,802
2,940,796
81,183
2,555,930
2,637,113
554,882
858,565
15,904,393
16,762,958

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 5 APRIL 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investments
15
Current assets
Stocks
16
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
18
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Endowment funds
19
Restricted income funds
20
Unrestricted funds
2025
£
£
7,258,247
7,613,285
14,871,532
19,491
75,004
2,905,229
2,999,724
(1,150,768)
1,848,956
16,720,488
436,949
1,721,298
14,562,241
16,720,488
2024
£
£
7,301,976
6,900,940
14,202,916
19,018
62,458
3,533,172
3,614,648
(1,054,606)
2,560,042
16,762,958
435,319
1,707,964
14,619,675
16,762,958
2024
£
£
7,301,976
6,900,940
14,202,916
19,018
62,458
3,533,172
3,614,648
(1,054,606)
2,560,042
16,762,958
435,319
1,707,964
14,619,675
16,762,958
14,202,916
2,560,042
16,762,958
435,319
1,707,964
14,619,675
16,762,958

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 27 January 2026

Mr K McDonogh Trustee

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

PARENT BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 5 APRIL 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investments
15
Current assets
Stocks
16
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
18
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Endowment funds
19
Restricted income funds
20
Unrestricted funds
2025
£
£
7,257,698
7,613,286
14,870,984
734
120,683
2,891,325
3,012,742
(1,132,433)
1,880,309
16,751,293
436,949
1,721,298
14,593,046
16,751,293
2024
£
£
7,301,715
6,900,941
14,202,656
1,366
119,458
3,513,470
3,634,294
(1,041,158)
2,593,136
16,795,792
435,319
1,707,964
14,652,509
16,795,792
2024
£
£
7,301,715
6,900,941
14,202,656
1,366
119,458
3,513,470
3,634,294
(1,041,158)
2,593,136
16,795,792
435,319
1,707,964
14,652,509
16,795,792
14,202,656
2,593,136
16,795,792
435,319
1,707,964
14,652,509
16,795,792

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 27 January 2026

Mr K McDonogh Trustee

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

2025
Notes
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
28
(5,208)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(2,096)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed
assets
165,000
Purchase of other investments
(1,583,120)
Other investment movements
(78,477)
Proceeds from disposal of other investments
732,382
Investment income received
266,349
Net cash (used in)/generated from
investing activities
(499,962)
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
-
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
(505,170)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
2,712,226
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
2,207,056
2024
£
£
(403,345)
(463)
466,000
(579,017)
(3,353)
601,716
284,453
769,336
-
365,991
2,346,235
2,712,226

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Diocese Of Wrexham is a registered charity with the Charities Commission under charity number 700426. The charity's registered office is St Andrews House, Yale Business Village, Ellice Way, Wrexham LL13 7YL.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and “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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

The statement of financial activities ("The SOFA") and balance sheet consolidate the financial statements of the parent charity and it's subsidiary company, St. Winefride's Well Shrine Company Limited, for the financial year ended 5 April 2025. The results of the company are consolidated on a line by line basis.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

The Trustees have chosen to adopt the option available under section 35.10 of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice for Financial Reporting Standard 102 and value the functional properties acquired prior to 1997 at "deemed cost". This is the discounted 1997 insurance value of those properties. Properties acquired since 1997 are included in the financial statements at original cost.

As part of a review of all property held by the Diocese, those properties that had not been readily identifiable with an insurance value at 1997 have been included at a percentage of the 2005 insurance value in accordance with existing practice.

Functional properties are not depreciated. The Trustees consider that their estimated residual values will exceed cost, given the long period over which they are expected to be held.

Historic assets

Works of art, treasures and plate are not capitalised in these accounts as they are considered historic, have very long lives and are worth preserving indefinitely. The trustees consider that it would be prejudicial to the safe custody of these assets to disclose details of their value and usage in these accounts.

School and other property

Land and buildings legally owned by the charity and occupied rent free by the Catholic voluntary aided schools (or unrelated charities), which are separate charities and publicly funded, are valued at nil for the purposes of these accounts. The trustees consider that no meaningful value can be attributed to these assets since they are not used directly by the charity, do not generate any income, and cannot be disposed of in the open market or put to alternative use while such occupation, which may be indefinite, continues. If such occupation ceases where the land and/or buildings are sold, the net proceeds are treated as a donation to the Diocese. Expenditure on these properties by the Diocese is treated as a donation to the school or charity,

Grants obtained on behalf of School Governors are netted off against total costs and only the residual cost is included in the financial statements as parish expenses.

Fixed assets other than property

The cost of Diocesan furniture and equipment is capitalised and depreciated over their expected useful lives at a rate of 25% of cost. Motor vehicles are also depreciated at a rate of 25% of cost.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Listed investments are included in the balance sheet at their market value at the end of the financial period. The statement of financial activities includes unrealised gains and losses arising from the revaluation of the investment portfolio.

Realised gains and losses arising from the sale of investments and investment properties are dealt with in the statement of financial activities.

Any investment properties are recognised at market value as at the end of the financial year. Properties may occasionally cease to be held as functional church property and may instead then be held and used as an investment asset and rented out to third parties. Where this change is expected to be temporary and the intention is for the property to revert to use as functional property in the short term, these properties will continue to be held as functional property. Where the change is expected to last into the longer term, the properties are accounted for as investment properties and recognised at market value at the end of the financial year. All changes in the value during the year are classified as unrealised gains or losses and are reported in the statement of financial activities. As any such assets are recorded at their current market values, no charge for depreciation is made in the accounts. Disposals of investment properties are accounted for on completion.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.11 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.12 Taxation

The charity benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions. Recovery is made of tax deducted from income and from receipts under Gift Aid. The parent charity is not able to recover Value Added Tax. Expenditure is recorded in the accounts inclusive of VAT. The subsidiary is registered for VAT and income and expenditure is recorded in the accounts exclusive of VAT.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Valuation of Land and Buildings

Land and buildings are considered for impairment at the reporting date based on judgements made by the Trustees having regard, where relevant, to general market conditions and other relevant information available to them.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
2,195,930
5,042
Legacies
79,872
-
Grants
22,266
-
2,298,068
5,042
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
2,200,972
1,571,490
5,573
79,872
70,821
-
22,266
74,420
-
2,303,110
1,716,731
5,573
Total
2024
£
1,577,063
70,821
74,420
1,722,304

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

4 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Fundraising events
59,940
139,037
Letting and licensing
arrangements
42,753
-
Sponsorships and social
lotteries
178,610
-
Other trading activities
281,303
139,037
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
198,977
46,842
148,360
42,753
33,917
-
178,610
181,118
-
420,340
261,877
148,360
Total
2024
£
195,202
33,917
181,118
410,237

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
Rental income
48,222
10,587
-
Income from listed investments
156,725
29,514
784
Interest receivable
20,381
136
-
225,328
40,237
784
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
58,809
55,002
11,418
-
187,023
171,814
26,592
706
20,517
18,819
102
-
266,349
245,635
38,112
706
Total
2024
£
66,420
199,112
18,921
284,453

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

6 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets 120,016 437,818
Other income 154,763 85,984
274,779 523,802

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

7 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events
55,709
-
-
Fundraising agents
9,212
-
-
64,921
-
-
Investment management
14,240
4,286
114
Total costs
79,161
4,286
114
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
55,709
51,121
-
-
9,212
10,709
-
-
64,921
61,830
-
-
18,640
15,430
3,822
101
83,561
77,260
3,822
101
Total
2024
£
51,121
10,709
61,830
19,353
81,183

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Worship
2025
£
Direct costs
Rent
-
Repairs and maintenance
593,345
Clergy allowances
185,904
Liturgical and pastoral costs
89,433
Clergy costs
20,509
Presbytery costs
98,364
Healthcare and retirement costs
-
Retirement property costs
-
Donations and gifts
-
Motor and travel
-
Insurance
76,484
1,064,039
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support
170,034
Governance
-
1,234,073
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
1,234,073
Restricted funds
-
1,234,073
Apostolic
Works
Support of
Clergy
2025
2025
£
£
-
64,986
3,078
156,472
-
3,100
-
3,405
-
36,238
-
494,233
-
279
-
27,547
1,138
175,295
859
63,212
-
-
5,075
1,024,767
8,043
574,394
-
-
13,118
1,599,161
13,118
1,396,319
-
202,842
13,118
1,599,161
Other
2025
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
147,905
-
-
147,905
-
12,360
160,265
160,265
-
160,265
Total
2025
£
64,986
752,895
189,004
92,838
56,747
592,597
279
27,547
324,338
64,071
76,484
2,241,786
752,471
12,360
3,006,617
2,803,775
202,842
3,006,617

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

(Continued)

Previous year:
Worship
2024
£
Direct costs
Rent
-
Repairs and maintenance
283,094
Clergy allowances
188,227
Liturgical and pastoral costs
81,274
Clergy costs
23,455
Presbytery costs
69,716
Healthcare and retirement costs
-
Retirement property costs
-
Donations and gifts
-
Motor and travel
-
Insurance
76,366
722,132
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support
162,931
Governance
-
885,063
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
885,063
Restricted funds
-
885,063
Apostolic
Works
Support of
Clergy
2024
2024
£
£
-
64,593
2,883
149,959
-
3,770
-
3,473
-
38,607
-
427,677
-
697
-
43,224
2,876
125,734
501
67,662
-
-
6,260
925,396
8,083
722,628
-
-
14,343
1,648,024
14,343
1,479,066
-
168,958
14,343
1,648,024
Other
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,500
8,500
8,500
-
8,500
Total
2024
£
64,593
435,936
191,997
84,747
62,062
497,393
697
43,224
128,610
68,163
76,366
1,653,788
893,642
8,500
2,555,930
2,386,972
168,958
2,555,930

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

9 Support costs allocated to activities

Staff costs
Depreciation
Premises and other costs
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Worship
Apostolic Works
Support of Clergy
Other
Governance costs comprise:
Audit fees
2025
£
309,901
735
441,835
12,360
764,831
170,034
8,043
574,394
12,360
764,831
2025
£
12,360
12,360
2024
£
356,446
14,760
522,436
8,500
902,142
162,931
8,083
722,628
8,500
902,142
2024
£
8,500
8,500

10 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
Curial employees
Parish employees excluding parish clergy
Total
2025
Number
10
10
20
2024
Number
10
9
19

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

11
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
(Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
397,429
382,198
17,386
16,944
8,113
8,237
422,928
407,379
(Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
397,429
382,198
17,386
16,944
8,113
8,237
422,928
407,379
407,379

During the year there were 31 secular and regular clergy in the Diocese, excluding retired clergy (2024:42) of which 9 secular clergy were actively working in the Diocese (2024:12).

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

2025 2024
£ £
Total employee benefits 159,705 156,260

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the key finance personnel and also Heads of Education and Safeguarding.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

12 Gains and losses on investments

Unrestricted **Restricted ** Endowment Total Unrestricted **Restricted ** Endowment Total
funds funds funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Gains/(losses) on investments (253,976) 36,146 960 (216,870) 533,136 18,300 3,446 554,882

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Tangible fixed assets - consolidated

Freehold land
and buildings
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 6 April 2024
7,300,574
90,581
Additions
-
2,096
Disposals
(44,984)
-
At 5 April 2025
7,255,590
92,677
Depreciation and impairment
At 6 April 2024
-
89,180
Depreciation charged in the year
-
840
At 5 April 2025
-
90,020
Carrying amount
At 5 April 2025
7,255,590
2,657
At 5 April 2024
7,300,574
1,402
Motor
vehicles
£
30,095
-
-
30,095
30,095
-
30,095
-
-
Total
£
7,421,250
2,096
(44,984)
7,378,362
119,275
840
120,115
7,258,247
7,301,976

St. Winefride's Well Shrine Company Limited had tangible fixed assets with a net book value of £549 at 5 April 2025 (2024: £261).

15 Fixed asset investments - consolidated

Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 05 April 2024
6,892,202
Additions
1,583,120
Valuation changes
(286,063)
Other movements
-
Disposals
(663,189)
At 5 April 2025
7,526,070
Carrying amount
At 05 April 2025
7,526,070
At 05 April 2024
6,892,202
Cash in
portfolio
£
8,738
-
-
78,477
-
87,215
87,215
8,738
Total
£
6,900,940
1,583,120
(286,063)
78,477
(663,189)
7,613,285
7,613,285
6,900,940

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Fixed asset investments - consolidated (Continued)
2025 2024
Other investments in Parent comprise: Notes £ £
Investments in subsidiaries 26 1 1

15 Fixed asset investments - consolidated

St. Winefride's Well Shrine Company Limited held no fixed asset investments at 5 April 2025 or 5 April 2024.

16 Stocks

Stocks
2025 2024
£ £
Stocks 19,491 19,018

St. Winefride's Well Shrine Company Limited had stock held at 5 April 2025 of £18,757 (2024: £17,651).

17 Debtors - consolidated

Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
2025
£
32,421
42,583
75,004
2024
£
30,223
32,235
62,458

St. Winefride's Well Shrine Company Limited had debtors of £1,321 at 5 April 2025 (2024: £nil). The parent charity was owed £47,000 by the subsidiary company at 5 April 2025 (2024: £57,000).

18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year - consolidated

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year - consolidated
Notes
Bank loans and overdrafts
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
2025
£
698,173
2,759
198,136
251,700
1,150,768
2024
£
820,946
2,634
36,130
194,896
1,054,606

St. Winefride's Well Shrine Company Limited had total creditors at 5 April 2025 of £65,335 (2024: £70,447) of which £47,000 was owed to its parent charity (2024: £57,000).

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

19 Endowment funds - consolidated

Endowment funds represent assets which must be held permanently by the charity. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the assets form part of the fund.

At 6 April Incoming Resources Gains and At 5 April
2024 resources expended losses 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Permanent endowments
Foundation Masses Fund 39,117 784 (114) 960 40,747
1862 Church Chapel Trust 95,320 - - - 95,320
Flint Church & Presbytery 88,220 - - - 88,220
Mold Church & Presbytery 58,362 - - - 58,362
Welsh Church & Presbytery 28,549 - - - 28,549
Wrexham St Mary's 125,751 - - - 125,751
435,319 784 (114) 960 436,949
Previous year: At 6 April Incoming Resources Gains and At 5 April
2023 resources expended losses 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Permanent endowments
Foundation Masses Fund 35,066 706 (101) 3,446 39,117
1862 Church Chapel Trust 95,320 - - - 95,320
Flint Church & Presbytery 88,220 - - - 88,220
Mold Church & Presbytery 58,362 - - - 58,362
Welsh Church & Presbytery 28,549 - - - 28,549
Wrexham St Mary's 125,751 - - - 125,751
431,268 706 (101) 3,446 435,319

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

20 Restricted funds - consolidated

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Curial Diocesan Donations
Curial Mass Offerings
Diocesan Retirement Fund
Parish Mass Offerings and
Special Collections
Restricted Legacies
Llanidloes Church
Machynlleth Church
Bishop's Fund
Other Restricted Funds
Previous year:
Curial Diocesan Donations
Curial Mass Offerings
Diocesan Retirement Fund
Parish Mass Offerings and
Special Collections
Restricted Legacies
Llanidloes Church
Machynlleth Church
Bishop's Fund
Other Resticted Funds
At 6 April
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
£
£
£
£
29,333
-
-
-
2,292
-
-
-
1,396,234
45,279
(31,834)
36,146
71,403
-
-
-
109,271
-
-
-
15,699
-
-
-
20,821
-
-
-
5,090
-
-
-
57,821
139,037
(175,294)
-
1,707,964
184,316
(207,128)
36,146
At 6 April
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
£
£
£
£
29,333
-
-
-
2,292
-
-
-
1,358,669
192,045
(172,780)
18,300
71,403
-
-
-
109,271
-
-
-
15,699
-
-
-
20,821
-
-
-
5,090
-
-
-
57,821
-
-
-
1,670,399
192,045
(172,780)
18,300
At 5 April
2025
£
29,333
2,292
1,445,825
71,403
109,271
15,699
20,821
5,090
21,564
1,721,298
At 5 April
2024
£
29,333
2,292
1,396,234
71,403
109,271
15,699
20,821
5,090
57,821
1,707,964

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

21 Unrestricted funds - consolidated

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

Sick & Infirm
Clergy Fund
Mensal Fund
Ecclesiastical
Education Fund
Poor Parishes/
Mission Fund
for the Diocese
Schools
Revenue Fund
Schools Capital
Fund
Curial Office for
Parishes
St Winefride's
Well
General funds
At 6 April
2024
£
118,178
53,535
547,814
-
977,402
1,115,317
112,343
100,486
11,594,600
14,619,675
Incoming
resources
£
(20,112)
39,868
13,968
54,638
88,999
26,535
-
-
2,875,582
3,079,478
Resources
expended
£
(207)
(41,467)
(1,298)
(292,241)
(4,237)
(3,853)
(4,686)
(114)
(2,534,833)
(2,882,936)
Transfers
£
-
-
-
237,603
-
-
-
-
(237,603)
-
Gains and
losses
£
1,741
2,074
10,944
-
-
32,498
-
-
(301,233)
(253,976)
At 5 April
2025
£
99,600
54,010
571,428
-
1,062,164
1,170,497
107,657
100,372
11,396,513
14,562,241

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

21
Unrestricted funds
Previous year:
Sick & Infirm
Clergy Fund
Mensal Fund
Ecclesiastical
Education Fund
Poor Parishes/
Mission Fund
for the Diocese
Schools
Revenue Fund
Schools Capital
Fund
Curial Office for
Parishes
St Winefride's
Well
General funds
- consolidated
At 6 April
2023
Incoming
resources
£
£
83,461
26,391
39,137
43,829
548,848
15,428
(2,025)
11,549
899,295
88,085
1,042,416
18,548
880
-
100,000
-
11,090,714
2,544,215
13,802,726
2,748,045
Resources
expended
£
(184)
(38,650)
(54,209)
(53,052)
(8,783)
(2,577)
-
-
(2,306,777)
(2,464,232)
Transfers
£
2,261
1,775
4,000
43,528
(60,932)
-
-
-
9,368
-
(Continued)
Gains and
losses
At 5 April
2024
£
£
6,249
118,178
7,444
53,535
33,747
547,814
-
-
59,737
977,402
56,930
1,115,317
111,463
112,343
486
100,486
257,080
11,594,600
533,136
14,619,675
(Continued)
Gains and
losses
At 5 April
2024
£
£
6,249
118,178
7,444
53,535
33,747
547,814
-
-
59,737
977,402
56,930
1,115,317
111,463
112,343
486
100,486
257,080
11,594,600
533,136
14,619,675
14,619,675

22 Analysis of net assets between funds - consolidated

Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
At 5 April 2025:
Tangible assets
6,825,525
Investments
6,394,542
Current assets/(liabilities)
1,342,174
14,562,241
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
At 5 April 2024:
Tangible assets
6,869,254
Investments
5,714,903
Current assets/(liabilities)
2,035,518
14,619,675
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
36,520
396,202
1,184,290
34,453
500,488
6,294
1,721,298
436,949
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
36,520
396,202
1,152,430
33,607
519,014
5,510
1,707,964
435,319
Total
2025
£
7,258,247
7,613,285
1,848,956
16,720,488
Total
2024
£
7,301,976
6,900,940
2,560,042
16,762,958

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

23 Analysis of net assets between funds - parent charity

Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
At 5 April 2025:
Tangible assets
6,824,976
Investments
6,394,543
Current assets/(liabilities)
1,373,527
14,593,046
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
At 5 April 2024:
Tangible assets
6,868,993
Investments
5,714,904
Current assets/(liabilities)
2,068,612
14,652,509
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
36,520
396,202
1,184,290
34,453
500,488
6,294
1,721,298
436,949
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
36,520
396,202
1,152,430
33,607
519,014
5,510
1,707,964
435,319
Total
2025
£
7,257,698
7,613,286
1,880,309
16,751,293
Total
2024
£
7,301,715
6,900,941
2,593,136
16,795,792

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

24 Movement in funds

Accumulated funds

The funds can be used across the whole of the Diocese and are subdivided between:

The general funds, comprising those monies which may be used towards meeting the charitable objective of the charity, and used across the whole of the Diocese, can be expended at the discretion of the trustees. The designated funds being monies set aside out of general funds and designated for specific purposes by the trustees.

The restricted funds being monies raised for, and their use restricted to, a specific purpose, or donations subject to donor imposed conditions.

The capital of permanent endowment funds must be maintained intact with any income arising being available for restricted or general charitable purposes of the diocese, according to the terms of the original gift.

Endowment Funds

The Foundation Masses fund represents the sum of donations received for such masses. The funds are invested in fixed interest Government stocks, the income from which is available for general parish use when the Mass has been said and the restriction therefore discharged.

The 1862 church Chapel Trust represents the proportion of funds in respect of the purchase of a presbytery in Bangor which were transferred from the sale proceeds of the former Church and premises in Bangor which were the object of the original permanent endowment. The transaction was approved by the Charity Commission.

The majority of the property in Flint is held under a trust deed dated 1862 to provide the church, house, schoolroom and other offices at Flint or elsewhere in the Diocese.

The site of the church and presbytery in Mold is held under a trust deed dated 31 December 1861 to provide the church, house, schoolroom and other offices at Mold or elsewhere in the Diocese.

The majority of the land (the cathedral and presbytery site) was acquired by gifts in 1855 and 1856 and is held under a trust deed dated 1 January 1962 to provide church, house, schoolroom and other offices at Wrexham or elsewhere in the Diocese.

Restricted funds

The specific purposes for which the funds are held are to be applied as follows: Diocesan collections are held within the parishes on specific predetermined dates. The funds generated from these collections are paid over to the specific charities or causes, all of which support the objectives of the charity.

Mass offerings represent donations made to the charity for the purpose of Mass being said for the intention. On the Mass being said, the donations are released to general funds.

Special collections are held throughout the diocese for the charity's own specific projects. The balance of this fund represents the amount of the collections yet to be utilised.

The Diocesan retirement fund was established to provide support for the retired clergy.

The Restricted legacy was money bequeathed by a parishioner for the repairs to St Mary's Cathedral. Llanidloes Church was acquired in 1995 from Order of Friars Minor upon trust to administer and manage it as a church but upon failing or ceasing then to re-transfer property to the Order.

The Church and Property in Machynlleth was acquired in 1979 from the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer upon trust to administer and manage it as a church but upon failing or ceasing then to re-transfer the property to the Congregation.

Designated funds

Sick and infirm clergy fund provided funds towards nursing care and other related costs. Mensal fund provides income to support the upkeep of Bishop's House. Ecclesiastical education fund provides income to support clergy training.

The Poor Parishes/Missions fund for the diocese of Wrexham supports the poorer parishes of the Diocese. The Schools capital fund was established to provide unrestricted income to be applied towards grant aided works by the Roman Catholic schools within the diocese. The Schools revenue fund is income accumulated to enable the Diocese to assist diocesan schools undertake grant aided works. The Diocese acts as agent in obtaining grants from the Welsh Assembly Government for those works.

Curial office for parishes represented monies set aside by the Curial office for general parish charitable purposes.

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

25 Related party transactions

During the year the following funds were received and paid on behalf of Diocesan Schools.

Balance b/fwd
Income
Expenses
Carried f/wd
2025
£
98,011
146,124
(122,777)
121,358
2024
£
107,326
132,518
(141,833)
98,011

During the year, a payment of £10,366 (2024: £17,750) was made to a charity for which there is a trustee in common.

26 Subsidiaries

Details of the charity's subsidiaries at 5 April 2025 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered Nature of business Class of % Held
office shares held Direct Indirect
St.Winefride's Well Shrine Bishop's House, Sale of retail goods Ordinary 100.00
Company Ltd Sontley Road,
Wrexham, UK
LL13 7EW

The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of subsidiaries was as follows:

Name of undertaking
Profit/(Loss)
Capital and
Reserves
£
£
St, Winefride's Well Shrine
Company Ltd
2,031
(30,803)
Company number: 11119502
Analysis of changes in net funds
At 6 April 2024
£
Cash at bank and in hand
3,533,172
Loans falling due within one year
(820,946)
2,712,226
Cash flows
At 5 April 2025
£
£
(627,943)
2,905,229
122,773
(698,173)
(505,170)
2,207,056
Cash flows
At 5 April 2025
£
£
(627,943)
2,905,229
122,773
(698,173)
(505,170)
2,207,056
2,207,056

27 Analysis of changes in net funds

DIOCESE OF WREXHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

28 Cash generated from operations 2025 2024
£ £
(Deficit)/surplus for the year (42,470) 858,565
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities (266,349) (284,453)
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets (120,016) (437,818)
Loss/(gain) on disposal of investments (69,193) (64,695)
Fair value losses and (gains) on investments 286,063 (490,207)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 840 14,825
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in stocks (473) (2,121)
(Increase) in debtors (12,546) (17,686)
Increase in creditors 218,936 20,245
Cash absorbed by operations (5,208) (403,345)