PCC (Parochial Church Councils)

Running a parish church is a huge task and the rules for PCCs, as well as those for Churchwardens, can seem demanding. These pages aim to help you to run your church successfully.

Charity Trusteeship

Every member of a PCC, whether ex-officio, elected, or co-opted, is a Charity Trustee. This is a useful link to resources from the national church

www.parishresources.org.uk/pccs

Public Benefit

To be a charity is to provide a benefit to the public and the PCC's Annual Report is the place where the public benefits, that we provide as churches, are reported.  When planning the activities that provide these benefits, each PCC must take into consideration guidance given by the Charity Commission and a statement to this effect must also be made within the PCC's Annual Report.  For an example Statement that can be included in your PCC's Annual Report, follow the link below.

Example Statement

The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit

The full text of the Charity Commission's guidance is available through the following link.

Charity Commission Guidance

PCC members and private benefit

All PCCs are subject to Charity Law in this area; this is just a brief reminder of the current position.

Private benefit can arise where a member of the PCC or a person or organisation connected to her/him receives payment or another benefit from the Church. Payment as an employee cannot be made without advance authorisation from the Charity Commission – doing so could result in financial penalties. (Clergy remuneration is excluded from these restrictions).

Changes in legislation mean that payment for services provided can be made if the necessary procedures are complied with.

The whole area of private benefit is complex and if you think that your Parish may be affected you may need to take action to ensure the law is complied with. The Resources Department have experience in this area and will be able to give you initial guidance. Contact them on 0151 705 2180 or Cath Gaskell Finance Resources Officer.