Minutes of the meeting of the PCC held in Royston Parish Church on Monday 24 Novenber 2025
There were 19 present.
The Vicar opened the meeting with prayer.
Two apologies were received.
The minutes of the meeting of 17 October were approved.
Matters arising:
It was noted that a license had been purchased to cover ongoing concerts in the church.
The matter of whether the Outreach Committee should be able to make decisions on expenditure in its own right was discussed, it was decided that this was permitted under the terms of reference agreed by the PCC on 3rd March this year.
It was noted that indoor bins had been purchased.
No decisions have been taken by the standing committee.
Finance:
The PCC was pleased to hear that the Diocese had announced an overall reduction across the diocese in Parish Share of 3.5%, equating to 7% in real terms. Reflecting our growing congregation our own Parish Share was reducing by £35, to 69,634 in 2026.
It was noted that Lloyds Bank had changed their terms and conditions and as a consequence we could revert to having a charity account. The name used by Lloyds must now be exactly the same as that used by the Charity Commission, this matter is in hand but may take time.
After discussion It was agreed that dual authorisation be triggered for expenditure transactions over £1000, this would be attended to.
The church booking form was discussed and updated and certain fees amended
Committee reports
The Events committee has a number of events in hand and reported that a the coach had been booked for Jaime’s priesting.
The Outreach committee had undertaken a major review of missions giving, meaning that a smaller number of charities will be supported, but receiving larger amounts and for a three-year period. It is hoped that the congregation would engage well with the process and the charities. The focus of the giving would be structured around the Five Marks of Mission.
It was agreed that we should look into having a Vicar’s Discretionary Fund and a paper outlining the scope of the Fund, to be presented to the next PCC meeting.
The fabric committee reported that there was a shortlist of four church architects and that all would be interviewed.
A curtain track for inside the vestry would cost about £100. The expenditure was approved to a maximum of £150.
The cost of a Howe dolly would be investigated so that we can deal better with moving chairs in church.
The new cupboard had cost more than expected, due to having an extra shelf, but that overall the whole project had cost less than expected, because we had not needed the protective Perspex.
An invoice had been received from the fire alarm company.. The PCC agreed payment provided subject to a final check by the fabric committee It was asked if the children’s church leaders could be involved with decision-making on the refurbishment of the vestry.
The Church’s data security was discussed, we are fortunate in having a member of the congregation with professional knowledge and the matter is well in hand.
The Safeguarding committee referred to one of the policies and this was unanimously accepted.
We are still without a Minister of Music but the matter is receiving attention.
It was agreed to have an inclusion working party
The Parish Administrator’s salary was reviewed. Being confidential this is not reported on further.
The meeting closed with Grace at 9.30pm.