ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Transcription

1 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND BIRMINGHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

2 BISHOP S COUNCIL MEMBERS: PRESIDENT(Bishop of Birmingham) The Rt Revd David Urquhart DBF CHAIR Mr Phil Nunnerley EX OFFICIO The Rt Revd Andrew Watson The Very Revd Catherine Ogle The Ven.Hayward Osborne The Ven. Dr Brian Russell Chair, House of Clergy: The Revd Martin Stephenson Chair, House of Laity: Mr Stephen Fraser SECRETARY Mr Andrew Halstead GENERAL SYNOD REPRESENTATIVE Dr Rachel Jepson NOMINATED Mrs Waveney Richards BISHOP S NOMINEES Mr Malcolm Owens (14/12/12>) The Revd Canon Tim Pilkington ELECTED [HOUSE OF CLERGY] The Revd Freda Evans The Revd Dr Andy Jolley The Revd Dr Crispin Pailing The Revd Canon Michael Parker (>13/12/12) The Revd John Routh The Revd Nigel Traynor (09/01/13>) The Revd Priscilla White ELECTED [HOUSE OF LAITY] Mr Terry Adams Mr Ray Buick (14/12/12>) Mr Michael Hastilow Mr Guy Hordern (14/12/12>) Mrs Deirdre Moll (14/12/12>) Mr Peter Oakley (14/12/12>) Mr Malcolm Owens (>13/12/12) Mr Julian Phillips Mr Geoffrey Shuttleworth (>13/12/12) Mr Steven Skakel (14/12/12>) Canon Dr Terry Slater (>13/12/12) Mrs Diana Smith (>13/12/12) Dr Carol Starkie (14/12/12>) IN ATTENDANCE Secretary Mr Andrew Halstead Bishop s Chaplain The Revd Kate Stowe Minute Clerk Miss Trish Beck BYC Chair Miss Beth Jolley BYC Vice-Chair Mr Leo Guenther DDO The Revd Canon Faith Claringbull DBE The Revd Jackie Hughes Communications Mr Steve Squires CME The Revd Canon Mark Pryce Com. Regen. Mr Fred Rattley TC The Revd Rhiannon Jones Bishop s Council meets to advise the Bishop in formulating Strategy; conducting Synodical business; and appointing and monitoring the activities of the various departments. Members act also as: Directors of the Diocesan Board of Finance, Diocesan Mission Pastoral Committee, Diocesan Parsonages Board and as Synod s Standing Committee. This approach is designed to ensure that all policies and activities of the Council are implemented or undertaken having due regard to both financial and pastoral implications. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES During the year Bishop s Council met four times to consider and debate a wide range of issues including: Transforming Church continuing discussions on financial planning, mission and deployment Review of the Common Fund allocation for 2013 onwards. Relocation of both the Diocesan Office and Birmingham Cathedral Office to 1 Colmore Row. Agreement to the closure of the Diocesan Office lay staff Defined Benefits Pension Scheme with effect from 31 March 2012 and membership of the Defined Contribution Pension Scheme from 1 April Adoption of an revised Risk Register for the Birmingham DBF. Adoption of Environmental Guidelines. Review by DBF Chair of DBF s Investment Strategy. Review and standardisation of Clergy and DBF staff Maternity Provision (from 13 September 2013). Sales of investment property assets for reinvestment in managed funds in order to yield a greater return. ANDREW HALSTEAD SECRETARY BISHOP S YOUTH COUNCIL Representatives of the Bishop s Youth Council continue to be encouraged both to be present at Council meetings and to contribute to the work of Council and Synod. Their contribution is very much welcomed and appreciated. DIOCESAN SYNOD Three meetings were held during 2012, topics discussed/ debated included: the Common Fund Review Working Party Report; Towards an Environmental Policy ; Malawi; Report on the work of Birmingham Cathedral; Report on the Churches Together in England Forum; Transforming Church Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future; Diocesan Budget 2013; as well as the Annual General Meeting of the Diocesan Board of Finance to approve the Annual Reports and Statutory Accounts In addition, Council receives the minutes and papers from Committees and Boards, and from the Pastoral Sub-Committee and Finance, Investment and Property Sub-Committee. Their issues, too, are discussed and debated at some length, and their separate Reports are contained within this document. In Financial matters very full reports are contained within the DBF annual accounts; although for special interest a separate Report is included from the Diocesan Surveyor on parsonage and housing matters. Special thanks and best wishes were also extended to Canon Dr Terry Slater, Mr Geoffrey Shuttleworth, Mr Terry Adams, Canon Michael Parker and Mrs Diana Smith, long serving members of Bishop s Council who had all decided not to stand for re-election in the next triennium. 2 ANNUAL REPORT SUPPLEMENT

3 BISHOP S LITURGICAL ADVISORY GROUP MEMBERSHIP: Revd Peter Babington Revd Canon Janet Chapman Revd Mark Earey Revd Linda Granner Revd Smitha Prasadam Revd Mark Pryce Revd Hugh Scriven Revd Kate Stowe Mrs Claire Wesley Worship lies at the heart of the Christian life. It is in worship that we express our theology and define our identity. It is through encountering God within worship that we are formed (and transformed) as his people. One of the glories of the Church of England is its liturgical worship. Liturgy refers to the patterns, forms, words and actions through which public worship is conducted. TERMS OF REFERENCE The committee is responsible to the Bishop, and members are appointed by him. The committee may co-opt additional members for a specific purpose subject to the Bishop s approval. The chair of the committee is a member of the Board for Ministries. The business of the committee is subject to the Bishop s direction. THE PURPOSES OF THE COMMITTEE In co-operation with other Diocesan Boards and their officers to promote education, training, and advice on liturgical matters in the diocese. To advise the Bishop in the preparation of particular forms of service for which no provision is made in the Book of Common Prayer or Common Worship. To advise the Bishop on any other matters which he may refer to the committee. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES The Bishop s Liturgical Advisory Committee (LAC) met on one occasion and joined with another meeting to discuss Worship 4 Today. Praxismidlands Day on Lament with John Bell and Gordon Mursell on 20th October Excellent feedback on this training day. The Big Splash Training day on Baptism was well attended and some positive feedback obtained. Worship 4 Today The Sheffield Diocesan training course was discussed and thought that it could contribute to the Transforming Church Agenda. A separate meeting was held to discuss this more fully. It was noted that there is already a Diocesan Course on Worship which has similarities to Worship 4 Today and can be run in a Parish. National Liturgy Conference This is being held at Aston University in July The Liturgical Commission Currently there are projects looking at Birth and Bereavement, no date for when reports are expected. REVD LINDA GRANNER SECRETARY THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND - BIRMINGHAM 3

4 PASTORAL SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE DIOCESAN MISSION AND PASTORAL COMMITTEE THE MEMBERS HOPED THAT 2013 WOULD BE AN EQUALLY PRODUCTIVE YEAR FOR THE GROWTH OF PASTORAL AND MISSIONAL DEVELOPMENT... PASTORAL SUB-COMMITTEE: BISHOP S APPOINTMENTS: Mr Malcolm Owens (Chair) EX-OFFICIO: The Rt Revd Andrew Watson (Bishop of Aston) The Ven. Hayward Osborne (Archdeacon of Birmingham) The Ven. Dr Brian Russell (Archdeacon of Aston) BISHOP S COUNCIL MEMBER: The Revd Freda Evans Mr Stephen Fraser The Revd Dr Crispin Pailing Mrs Diana Smith BISHOP S COUNCIL APPOINTEE: The Revd Duncan Hill-Brown The Revd Rhiannon Jones Mrs Deirdre Moll STAFF: Mr Adrian Mann (Secretary to the Committee) PURPOSE Every diocese within the Church of England is required to have a Mission and Pastoral Committee (DMPC) to provide pastoral support to parishes. The Committee must consider the needs, traditions and individual characteristics of each parish, while having due regard for the financial implications of any action for the diocese and the Church of England. In the Birmingham diocese, the Bishop s Council acts as the DMPC and is advised by the Pastoral Sub-Committee (PSC), which progresses the casework and consultation processes that lead to the creation of Pastoral Schemes and Orders suitable for endorsement by the Bishop and the Church Commissioners. COMPOSITION The Committee is chaired by a person appointed by the Bishop. In addition to the Chair, the Committee constitutes: any suffragan Bishop, the Archdeacons of the Diocese, two clergy members of the Bishop s Council, two lay members of the Bishop s Council, two additional clergy members appointed by the Bishop s Council and two additional lay members appointed by the Bishop s Council. The Committee must have a quorum of one third of its members, including one Archdeacon, and is appointed on a three-yearly basis. The current cycle concluded at the end of At the start of 2012, one additional clergy and two additional lay positions were vacant. The Revd Duncan Hill-Brown and Mrs Deirdre Moll were appointed to the Committee by the Bishop s Council and were welcomed to their first meeting on 27th March. As such, only one additional lay position was still vacant. Mr Adrian Mann was Secretary to the Committee throughout the year. At the end of 2012, the Bishop s Council decided that the Grants, Loans and Review Sub-Committee (GLRSC) of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) should be merged with the PSC. An updated composition document was drawn up and agreed by the Bishop s Council, which would appoint the new membership at its first meeting of The merger was intended to streamline the current committee system and, primarily, gave the PSC the responsibility of deploying monies available from the Sites and Buildings Fund for parishes suffering financial hardship in church fabric related matters. The Fund itself would still be managed by the DBF. The PSC would now also consider annual Common Fund rebates. Thanks were offered for the diligent and effective service of all members and staff for the very valuable input and advice that they were able to offer to parishes, the Committee and the Bishop s Council. Casework can be found on the following page... 4 ANNUAL REPORT SUPPLEMENT

5 CONTINUED PASTORAL SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE DIOCESAN MISSION AND PASTORAL COMMITTEE CASEWORK In 2012, five Committee meetings took place (PSC053-PSC057) and five pieces of casework resulting potentially in Pastoral Schemes or Orders were considered: U089 The future of the important and historic church of Bishop Latimer was under consideration since In 2011, the parish felt that, sadly, it was necessary to close the church as a place of regular public worship and move to a smaller and more manageable venue. In 2012, the local Seventh Day Adventist Church expressed an interest to taking possession of the building. Unfortunately, due to certain contractual obligations that the parish had entered into in accepting public grant money from English Heritage for fabric repairs, the PCC found itself unable to relinquish the church without becoming liable for the repayment of the substantial grant. As such, the closure process was not able to begin. Long-running negotiations were begun with English Heritage and it was hoped that a workable solution would be arrived at in early U107 The parsonage house in the parish of St Bartholomew, Allens Cross was transferred to the DBF on 1st November so that it could be sold to help fund the construction of a new church centre, as the parish has been without a permanent place of worship since The new place of worship would be established on the site of the previous demolished church and it was hoped that the sale of the parsonage would help to raise a substantial amount of the required funds. U113 The parishes of St Peter, Bickenhill and St Mary and St Bartholomew, Hampton-in- Arden were placed within a new united benefice of Hampton-in-Arden with Bickenhill, St Mary, St Bartholomew and St Peter, which came into effect on 1st July. The two parishes continued as distinct entities and an incumbent was appointed. Patronage of the new benefice was shared jointly by the Birmingham Diocesan Trustees Registered and the Guild of All Souls. U114 The Committee was asked to consider the closure of St Matthew with St Chad, Smethwick as a place of regular public worship, due to concerns that the building had become unsafe structurally and that the small congregation did not possess the resources to rectify the problems. However, the parish felt that, ultimately, the church should form the focal point of a new drive to grow mission and discipleship in the area. As such, they resolved to devote their available funds towards returning the church fabric to a fit state and promoting greater outreach in the local community. U116 Proposals were put underway to transfer part of the churchyard at St Mary, Moseley to the PCC, in order to facilitate access to an adjacent property owned by the parish. The Scheme was submitted to the Church Commissioners for drawing up on 13th November and it was hoped that it would come into effect in early NON-CASEWORK By the end of 2012, the Committee had recommended the lifting of seven suspensions of presentation to benefices in the Diocese to Bishop s Council, and suggested suspensions or extensions of suspension in seven benefices, to allow time for pastoral planning and strategic development to take place. Significant discussion throughout the year was dedicated to the Assessment of Parish Potential for Growth and Mission. The Diocesan Secretary spent a great deal of time working on a basic set of information to help direct the Diocesan budgets. Two major points of focus were the overall deployment of funds and the extent of service provision to parishes at the Diocesan level. With this data presented in a digestible form, it would be possible to work towards a wider strategic plan. Changes had also been made to how the Common Fund request was presented, in order to show what the real cost of clergy provision was and how parish money was being deployed. The primary objective of the Common Fund was to provide for clergy stipends and its secondary aim was to meet building running and maintenance costs. The Common Fund Working Party also convened to devise a new and more effective Common Fund formula for The position of the Handsworth Group Ministry (made up of the churches of St James, St Andrew, St Michael and St Mary) was also considered and a memorandum was drawn up to establish a new relationship between the parishes within it. The agreement redefined the participation of St James within the Group, but was not intended to bring about the parish s withdrawal from the initiative. As noted above, wide and long-running consideration was given to the possible merger of the PSC and the GLRSC. Following numerous discussions at both committees, augmented by two joint meetings, it was decided that both bodies would operate as the PSC from the start of Overall, the Committee considered a wide range of cases throughout the year, many of which resulted in positive conclusions, and the members hoped that 2013 would be an equally productive year for the growth of pastoral and missional development throughout the diocese. ADRIAN MANN SECRETARY TO THE COMMITTEE THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND - BIRMINGHAM 5

6 BIRMINGHAM DIOCESAN TRUSTEES REGISTERED PURPOSE The Birmingham Diocesan Trustees Registered (BDTR) is a body created under the Charitable Trustees Incorporation Act It functions as the Diocesan Authority and custodian trustee of property and certain charitable funds managed by parishes under the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and the former Incumbents and Churchwardens (Trusts) Measure These Measures stipulate that the Authority TRUSTEES: BISHOP S APPOINTMENTS: Mr D. H. Bradnock MBE DL JP FBHI The Revd Jackie Hughes Mrs Marjorie Featherstone The Ven Hayward Osborne The Ven Dr Brian Russell ELECTED BY SYNOD: Mr Timothy Cuthbertson (Chair) Mr Robert Brown Mr Graham Cornfield Mr Peter Johnson The Revd Canon Robert Morris Mr Michael Wilkin STAFF: Mr Andrew Halstead (Secretary) Mr Adrian Mann (Clerk) Mrs Amanda Homer (Fund Manager) must hold all permanent charitable trusts where the capital should be preserved and all land and property managed by parishes, as a Parochial Church Council (PCC) cannot own property in its own right. Where the BDTR is the custodian trustee of property and funds, the PCC is the managing trustee. As such, the parish have a level of discretion over these resources and can decide how they might be best used and invested. The parish must, however, seek the agreement of the BDTR, the seal of which is needed on most legal documents. It is unnecessary for PCCs to appoint individual trustees when managing funds as, even where there are no permanent endowments, the BDTR may hold such investments on the behalf of the PCC. COMPOSITION The BDTR is appointed on three-year terms and constitutes six members elected by the Diocesan Synod (one clergy and five lay) and five members appointed by the Diocesan Bishop (at least one of which must be lay, so that the majority of the Trustees are of the laity). All Trustees act as custodians and offer their expert advice to PCCs on a free and voluntary basis. The BDTR meets four times annually. At the first of these the Trustees elect a chair and vice-chair from their number. Mr Michael Wilkin stood down as a Trustee at the end of Mr Andrew Halstead was Secretary to the Committee throughout Mrs Lynne Johnson was Clerk to the Trustees until the end of August, when she left the diocesan administration after nearly twenty years service. Mr Adrian Mann was Clerk to the Trustees for the remainder of the year. Mrs Amanda Homer took over the management of the funds held by the BDTR during August, as the Diocese s and Cathedral s new Financial Controller. Thanks were offered for the diligent and effective service of all Trustees and staff. Particular gratitude ADRIAN MANN CLERK TO THE TRUSTEES was offered to Mr Michael Wilkin and Mrs Lynne Johnson for the very valuable input that they were able to offer during their many years of service. CASEWORK In 2012, the Trustees discussed 114 items of business across four meetings (covering agenda sections BDTR7208 to BDTR7236) 18 separate cases were approved or completed and the BDTR s seal was applied to 15 documents. The items of business were extremely diverse and could often run for a great deal of time, but a number of cases dealt with parish initiatives to rationalise a wide range of small charitable trusts and a considerable amount of work was carried out by the Diocesan Board of Education in the highly complex field of converting a number of Church of England schools into Academies. The Trustees considered many parish transactions for approval and advised parishes, when required, on the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 in relation to their responsibilities. When cases were concluded, all legal documents were checked by a solicitor to ensure that the relevant professional advice was received prior to the application of the BDTR s seal. Generally, the PCC should sign first. The Chair had discretion to sign documents between meetings, unless he or she had an interest in the matter, in which case it would be referred to the Vice Chair. The Chair and the Secretary planned to draw up a policy note relating to the signing of documentation between meetings, in order to formalise the process. The Trustees hoped that, in the coming year, they would be able to continue to help parishes manage their trusts and properties to deploy them effectively in the growth and development of mission and worship. 6 ANNUAL REPORT SUPPLEMENT

7 GRANTS, LOANS AND REVIEW SUB-COMMITTEE PURPOSE The main objectives of the Grants, Loans and Review Sub-Committee (GLRSC) of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) are the strategic deployment to parishes of monies available from the Sites and Buildings Fund and the review of annual Common Fund allocations. Grants and loans are available to Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) from the Fund for the urgent repair and refurbishment of church buildings (but not church halls or other parish property), where the PCC does not have the necessary funds available. MEMBERSHIP: BISHOP S APPOINTMENTS: The Revd Canon Timothy Pilkington (Chair) EX-OFFICIO: The Ven. Hayward Osborne (Archdeacon of Birmingham) The Ven. Dr Brian Russell (Archdeacon of Aston) BISHOP S COUNCIL APPOINTEE: The Revd Canon John Knight Canon Claire Laland MBE STAFF: Mr Andrew Halstead (Secretary) Mr Adrian Mann (Clerk) Mrs Amanda Homer (Fund Manager) COMPOSITION The GLRSC is chaired by a person appointed by the Bishop. In addition to the Chair, the Committee constitutes the Archdeacons of the Diocese and two members appointed by the Bishop s Council. The Committee must have a quorum of one third of its members, including one Archdeacon, and is appointed on a three-yearly basis. The current cycle concluded at the end of Mrs Lynne Johnson stood down as the Clerk to the Committee at the end of August and was replaced as Clerk by Mr Adrian Mann. Also at this time, Mrs Amanda Homer became the manager of the Sites and Buildings Fund. At the end of 2012, the Bishop s Council decided that GLRSC should be merged with the Pastoral Sub-Committee (PSC) of the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee. An updated composition document was drawn up and agreed by the Bishop s Council, which would appoint the new membership at its first meeting of The merger was intended to streamline the current committee system and, primarily, gave the PSC the responsibility of allocating the Sites and Buildings Fund. The Fund itself would still be managed by the DBF. Thanks were offered for the diligent and effective service of all members and staff for the very valuable input and advice that they were able to offer to parishes, the Committee and the Bishop s Council. Particular gratitude was offered to Mrs Lynne Johnson, for nearly 20 years of service in The Church of England - Birmingham. THE SITES AND BUILDINGS FUND In 2012, 84,000 was available from the Sites and Buildings Fund, with a maximum grant of 10,000 and a maximum loan of 30,000 to any one PCC in that period. Over the year, 80,000 was allocated in loans and 6,750 in grants. In the Archdeaconry of Aston, loans were offered ADRIAN MANN CLERK TO THE COMMITTEE to St Peter, Balsall Common; St Mary the Virgin, Pype Hayes; and St Nicholas, Baddesley Ensor. In the Archdeaconry of Birmingham, loans were offered to St James, Rounds Green; St Hilda, Warley Woods; Immanuel, Highters Heath; and St John the Baptist, Longbridge. Grants were offered to St James, Rounds Green; and St John the Baptist, Longbridge. The balance of the Fund at the end of the year was 948,042 and comprised 454,779 in loans to parishes and 496,263 in funds retained, and excluded 3000 in loans approved with payment awaited. COMMON FUND REBATES In 2012, 63,000 was available for hardship grants (a small raise above the 58,000 posited, initially). In the Archdeaconry of Aston, grants were offered to St Giles, Sheldon; St Peter, Tile Cross; St Thomas, Garretts Green; St Cyprian, Hay Mill; Emmanuel, Wylde Green; St Mark, Stockland Green; and St Benedict, Bordesley. In the Archdeaconry of Birmingham, grants were offered to St Luke, Kingstanding; Christ Church, Oldbury; St John and St Michael, Langley; St Mark, Londonderry; and Bishop Latimer, Birmingham. NON-CASEWORK As noted above, wide and long-running consideration was given to the possible merger of the GLRSC and the PSC. Following numerous discussions at both committees, augmented by two joint meetings, it was decided that both bodies would operate as the PSC from the start of Overall, the Committee has considered a wide range of cases throughout the year, many of which have resulted in positive conclusions, and the members hoped that 2013 would be an equally productive year for the growth of pastoral and missional development throughout the diocese. THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND - BIRMINGHAM 7

8 CLOSED CHURCHES USES COMMITTEE PURPOSE A consecrated church may be closed formally under the provisions of the Pastoral Measure 2011 because it is no longer required for regular public worship. The building and its contents then vest in the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF). The DBF assumes responsibility for the reasonable care, maintenance and insurance of the church while the search for an alternative use for the building is undertaken. This is carried out by the Diocesan Closed Churches Uses Committee (DCCUC), which must explore thoroughly all appropriate and feasible possibilities for the building s future. COMPOSITION The business of the DCCUC is carried out by the Finance, Investment and Property Sub-Committee of the DBF. Adrian Mann was Secretary to the DCCUC throughout Thanks are offered for the diligent and effective service of all members and staff. CASEWORK During 2012, only one church in the Birmingham diocese was closed for public worship: Langley, St Michael and All Angels: The church was closed for regular public worship in June Some fabric deterioration to the building was in evidence throughout 2012, with plant growth and slipped tiles noted on the roof. However, on 25th August, the Unitarian Philippine Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) offered 300,000 for the purchase of both the church site and that of the demolished church hall, for use as a Christian place of worship. A valuation of the property allocated 220,230 to the church site and 79,770 to the hall. The former sum would be split one third to the Church Commissioners and two thirds to the DBF, while the latter sum would be transferred in full to the PCC. It was agreed by Bishop David that the process to enable the Church Commissioners to sell the church site to the Church of Christ would begin. The relevant details were provided to the Church Commissioners on 20th September so that they could draft the Scheme of sale. In addition, discussions began regarding the removal of the building s numerous stained glass windows, as the Church of Christ did not find the imagery suitable in the context of its doctrine. Initial proposals were that the draft agreement of sale should specify that the Church of Christ took the responsibility for removing the windows following the exchange of documents, using a contractor suggested by the Diocese. The glazing would then be taken to a place of storage. Parties interested in acquiring these windows could then collect them, at their own expense. The local parish indicated a wish to take possession of some of the glazing. For the remainder, discussions were started with the local British Legion, the United Reformed Church and individuals with a personal connection to some of the windows. The DCCUC hoped that the sale of the church site would be completed in early Until another closure for public worship is found to be necessary, there would be no closed churches in the Birmingham diocese. ADRIAN MANN SECRETARY TO THE COMMITTEE DCCUC MEMBERS: BISHOP OF BIRMINGHAM: The Rt Revd David Urquhart BISHOP S APPOINTMENTS: Mr Philip Nunnerley (Chair) EX-OFFICIO: The Ven. Hayward Osborne (Archdeacon of Birmingham) The Ven. Dr Brian Russell (Archdeacon of Aston) BISHOP S COUNCIL MEMBERS: Mr Stephen Fraser Mr Michael Hastilow The Revd John Routh Mrs Diana Smith The Revd Priscilla White BISHOP S COUNCIL APPOINTEES: Mr Antony Jemmett Mr Geoffrey Shuttleworth DCCUC STAFF Mr Adrian Mann (Secretary to the Committee) 8 ANNUAL REPORT SUPPLEMENT

9 CLERGY HOUSING FOR MANY, THE CLERGY HOUSE SERVES NOT ONLY AS A HOME BUT ALSO AS A BASE FOR MINISTRY. MAINTENANCE With continuing pressures on diocesan income, the Finance, Investment & Property Sub-committee (FIPS) maintained control of expenditure on the clergy housing stock, operating with a quinquennial repair & external redecoration budget that has remained relatively static over the last 20 years when, if allocations had increased in-line with the price index, such would be around 70% higher. Quinquennial contracts were completed at 29 houses. to deal with some of the backlog. 38 contracts were completed and at year end outstanding improvements had been reduced to 535,900. VACANCY During the year 14 vacancy works were carried out, this being below the historic average and as a result of less clergy leaving parishes or fewer appointments. Various circumstances can contribute to this and it is not considered that a specific trend is developing. HOUSES For many, the clergy house represents the domestic heart of the parish, serving not only as a home but also as a base for ministry. FIPS recognises the importance of a safe, secure and well maintained house and strives to continue with this work as well as carrying out programmed refurbishments and improvements, as available money allows. The year ended with a total of 167 clergy houses, consisting of 149 Parsonages and 18 others. IMPROVEMENT Whilst clergy houses have continued to be maintained in good order, the committee was acutely aware of the lengthening list of outstanding recommended improvements, where the budgeted allocation has not kept pace with recommended works added following a quinquennial inspection. At year end 2011 outstanding improvements stood at 885,000. Following FIPS recommendation to Bishops Council and ratification, 300,000 from the sale of two superfluous properties was used ENERGY EFFICIENCY Energy costs continued to rise, placing an increasing financial burden on priests and families. Following the energy audit on clergy houses carried out the previous year where 73% of those with cavity walls remained with these uninsulated, a contract was placed with a national company to carry out insulation improvements. Such was not without its administrative problems, but by year end 78 orders had been placed and 80% of work completed. SALES During the year a plot of land, part of a vicarage large garden, was sold. Similar is being explored at four more sites in an effort to make best use of property and other assets. ALAN BROADWAY DIOCESAN SURVEYOR THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND - BIRMINGHAM 9

10 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND BIRMINGHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ASTON CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM COLESHILL EDGBASTON HANDSWORTH KINGS NORTON MOSELEY POLESWORTH SHIRLEY SOLIHULL SUTTON COLDFIELD WARLEY YARDLEY & BORDESLEY THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND - BIRMINGHAM q E reception@birmingham.anglican.org birmingham.anglican.org k 1 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BJ BISHOP S CROFT q E ChristineW@birmingham.anglican.org k Old Church Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 0BG David_Urq THE FAITHFUL NEIGHBOURHOODS CENTRE q E admin@faithfulneighbourhoods.org.uk faithfulneighbourhoods.org.uk k 10 Court Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham B11 4LX Supported by the Church of England - Birmingham, the Faithful Neighbourhood Centre is a place where people of different faiths can meet and a resource for the wider church (see page 20). /bcofe /brumcofe The Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee Registered in England No Registered office as above. Registered Charity No