Finances

We are entirely open about the finances of our parish churches. If you would like to see a copy of the most recent accounts, click on the links below.

The only income that the churches have these days, apart from a small amount from funerals and weddings, is from the giving of the congregations. There is no longer a large pot of money held centrally by the Church of England as used to be the case. This has all had to be earmarked for clergy pensions. There are now more retired clergy drawing pensions than working clergy!

Through a very complex allocation system called Parish Share, our congregations in effect pay for the training, salaries, housing and pension contributions of their ministers. In addition, all of the running costs of the churches and the maintenance of these beautiful Listed buildings falls on our shoulders alone.

We therefore take seriously the Biblical model of tithing (giving a proportion of our personal income to the local church to support the work). If you would like help with setting this up and ensuring that the churches benefit from the tax refunds available under Gift Aid, click on the Guidelines for Giving leaflet or contact a church treasurer.

St. Andrew’s Parish Church accounts for the year ended 31 December 2008.

All Saints’ Parish Church accounts for the year ended 31 December 2008.