St James’s Church

Published on January 5, 2024

First service of 2024

Happy new year from the Church Team! The first service of 2024 will be held at 10.00 on Saturday 6th January. As part of the Family Service, we will be celebrating the baptism of Baby Albie. Everyone is welcome. Lisa has kindly invited the congregation to the Club afterwards for refreshments.

If you would like to become a friend of St James and donate regularly to contribute to the upkeep of our lovely village church or make a one off donation then please do contact Sue Hayes or Vanessa Swann for more details.

We have continuing extensive work to undertake again this year – both in the churchyard and inside the church itself so donations continue to be hugely appreciated.

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.