Diocese of Truro 2024 budget deficit to be 'significantly higher', Finance Director reports

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 The Diocese of Truro's 2024 budget deficit will be 'closer to £5 million', significantly higher than the £3 million budgeted for, Director of Finance and Assets Sophie Eddy has reported to the Bishop's Diocesan Council.

In a report to be discussed at the next Diocesan Synod (Saturday 23 November 2024), Eddy says 'This is almost entirely due to the significant increase in major works on parsonages to get them ready for the increased number of new clergy.'

It is unclear when and where the 'increased number' will be appointed, as the draft budget envisages no rise in clergy numbers - click here to read.

Eddy also reports a fall in the level of MMF (Mission and Ministry Fund) payment rates by churches,  which dipped to 95 per cent of budget in September 2024. 

She reminded BDC members of 'the importance of achieving 100% rate to enable delivery of the Deanery plans'.

As the controversial On The Way deanery plans have been rolled out, there has been increasing grass roots dissatisfaction about clergy provision, with churches and congregations questioning why they should make full MMF payments when they were in so many cases without a priest.

To read the BDC's report to the next Diocesan Synod in full, click here.


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