Book of Condolences for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – St James Church

Published on September 11, 2022

Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II a book of condolences has been set out in St James Church for anyone the village who wish to leave a message. Vases are also available if villagers wish to leave floral tributes. Please feel free to sit in the church or churchyard to pray or reflect. The church is always open. There will also be a service at 10am on Sunday 18th September, which will include prayers for the late Queen as well as our new monarch.

Sarah Howell (Churchwarden)

A Prayer for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Gracious God, we give thanks for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth, for her faith and dedication to duty. Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

A Prayer for the new King, Charles III

Lord God, you provide for our people by your power, and rule over them in love. Grant to your servant our King the spirit of wisdom and discernment, that being devoted to you with his whole heart, he may so wisely govern; that in his time we may live in safety and in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Annual Statutory Documents

The Parish Council (PC) is required to prepare and publish these documents following the end of each financial year. They comprise five main sections:

Certificate of Exemption

Small parish councils are exempt from a detailed annual audit by an external auditor. The definition of a ‘small’ council is annual gross income of less than £25,000; Bourton PC’s annual income falls well within this threshold. This form confirms the PC’s annual income and its exemption from an external audit.

Annual Internal Audit Report

Although exempt from an external audit, the PC’s affairs are still subject to an internal audit by a qualified individual independent of the PC. This is the auditor’s summary report.

Annual Governance Statement

This form deals with the standard of internal controls and general governance standards within the PC throughout the year.

Accounting Statements

This is the summary financial report for the PC for the financial year. It also includes commentary on any significant variances from the previous year’s financial results and a balance sheet reconciliation with bank accounts.

Notice of Public Rights

This notice sets out the rights of local electors to review and query the PC’s statutory returns, including the contact details of the internal auditor.