Some important deadline reminders for church officers

The Parochial Fees Order 2024 set the framework for fees until the end of 2026.  It provided that fees would increase annually in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) and capped at 5%, rounded up to the nearest pound.  The CPI for August 2025, used in the calculation of the 2026 Parochial Fees, was 3.8%.

Please use the new return form (using the “form” tab) to submit your returns with payments quarterly.  Please note the following when submitting your return and payment:

• Complete one return form per parish.
• Include your parish code on the form.
• Quote the payment reference on the back of the cheque and on the return form for BACS payments. (e.g. PO55 PF 2026Q1 where PO55 is the parish code, PF stands for parochial fee, 2026Q1 indicates the year and quarter the payment is for.)

Outstanding Parochial Fees for 2025

If you have any outstanding 2025 Parochial Fees, please submit a completed return using the 2025 form, with payment, by 31st January 2026.

If no parochial fees are due to the Bath & Wells Diocesan Board of Finance for any quarters in 2025, please submit a NIL return (template attached).

Further information regarding parochial fees can be found at Parochial fees - Bath and Wells Diocese.  For any queries, please email fees@bathwells.anglican.org.

Downloads

Parochial Fees Quick Reference Guide PDF

2026 Parochial Fees Return Form 

Parochial Feels NIL Retun (Word)

The National Church collects annual statistics from each parish to provide an accurate picture of what is happening across the Church of England. These figures help identify trends and inform decisions about resource allocation.

Thank you to everyone who has already submitted their 2025 Statistics for Mission Return.

For those who have not yet done so, please note that the National Church online submission deadline is 31 January 2026.

How to Submit

The easiest way to complete the Statistics for Mission Return is via the Online Parish Returns System:

Once registered, you can complete sections as you gather the relevant data. For example:

• October attendance figures can be taken directly from your service register.
• The October count asks you not to double-count individuals. If this is unclear, please provide your best estimate.

If you have not yet registered for the Online Parish Returns System, please email returns@bathwells.anglican.org and we will create an account and provide access details.
Helpful Resources

• Attached: 2025 Statistics for Mission form and Online Parish Returns System User Guide
• Video Guide: Statistics for Mission: FAQs for Churches

Support and Contact Information

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email returns@bathwells.anglican.org 

Download

Statistics For Mission 2025

Online Parish Returns User Guide 2025

 

Please refer to the following sections on the Bath and Wells Diocesan website for guidance on the year-end procedures:

• Accounting and returns - Bath and Wells Diocese
• Preparing Annual Financial Statements - Bath and Wells Diocese
• Finance forms & returns - Bath and Wells Diocese
• Auditors/independent examiners - Bath and Wells Diocese

Actions Required:

1.    Within 28 days of your Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) (as stipulated under Church Representation Rules M5(8)), please email the following to pccaccounts@bathwells.anglican.org:

• The full, year-end statement of accounts as presented and signed off at the APCM (The full APCM report isn't required– just the financial statement).
• The signed Independent Examiner’s Certificate (template available at accounting and returns - Diocese of Bath and Wells).
• PCC Accounts and Returns Checklist (template available at accounting and returns - Diocese of Bath and Wells) 

2.    By 28 June 2026 (the National Church online submission deadline), please complete and submit the “2025 Return of Parish Finance Form” online at https://parishreturns.churchofengland.org/.  An Excel version of the form, along with the Online Parish Returns System User Guide, can be found under the download section at the bottom of this page for your reference.
 
If you have not yet registered for the Online Parish Returns System, please email returns@bathwells.anglican.org and an account will be created for you and you will be provided with access details.
 
In 2025 99% of Parish Finance Forms were submitted. Having this data helps to support parishes in their day-to-day activities. 

Support and Contact Information

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact:

• PCC Year-end Accounts:  pccaccounts@bathwells.anglican.org
• Online Parish Returns (Return of Parish Finance / Statistics for Mission / Energy Footprint):  returns@bathwells.anglican.org

Downloads

2025 Finance Form

Online Parish Returns System User Guide 2025

Parish year end accounts and finance return checklist