The church's finances

Keeping the church running costs [£35,000] per month. This includes maintenance and running costs for the church and other properties, the costs of our activities, and most significantly the cost of our staff and diocesan quota.

All of our costs are met from the giving of our members and it is incumbent on the church to use those funds wisely. While robust financial control and prudence are important, it is our view that the church's financial resources are there to enable its work and mission and this principle guides our approach to stewardship.

Stewardship of the church's financial resources is primarily the responsibility of the PCC. As a practical matter it is delegated to the Treasurer and Finance team, who also provide regular updates to the PCC, liaise with the diocese and auditors and advise it on the church's financial position.

Charity Law requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Church and of the results for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the PCC is required to:

  • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
  • make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
  • comply with the applicable accounting standards subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
  • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Church will continue in operation.

The PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Church, and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable Accounting Standards and Statements of Recommended Practice and the regulations under section 44 of the Charities Act 1993. It is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Church and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts for 2009 and Summary accounts for 2009 can be found in the members' area.