Section G1
The work of the church in this diocese is financed through parishes. The vehicle used to collect the money is the Common Fund towards which every parish is asked to make a contribution. The method of assessing how much each parish is asked to pay is known as the parish shares scheme, covered in a separate section of this handbook.
The budget for the Common Fund is prepared from submissions made by individual diocesan Boards and Committees. It is then reviewed by the Board of Finance and the Bishop’s Council. Each year PCC Treasurers, Churchwardens and Incumbents are invited to three presentations of the proposed Budget, (hosted by the respective Archdeacons) and led by the DBF Chair. A copy of the budget with notes is sent to every person invited to these presentations. The Budget is then discussed and voted upon at the October meeting of the Diocesan Synod. It is this process of review and consultation at every stage of the budget which underlines the accountability of the St Albans DBF to the parishes being asked to meet the cost.
The Common Fund sets aside an amount each year from investment income to provide grants for parishes struggling with their parish share assessment - because it is important that, where possible, pastoral issues rather than financial ones drive change. Parishes are encouraged to pay by standing order or direct debit, and forms for these can be found on elsewhere on this website.
The St Albans DBF Accounts are audited each year and a copy sent to every member of the Diocesan Synod.
