The appropriate location for the Congregational Federation administration offices is under review as part of hopes to make the best use of CF resources. The Federation Finance and Support Services Committee heard an initial report that a new location outside the city away from the centre of Nottingham could be advantageous.
The premises in Castle Gate Nottingham comprise the former Castle Gate Congregational Church, a building containing 30 units of student accommodation and the Federation administration offices, at number 6 and 8. The large church building has been placed on the market already, as it was of no further practical use. The Committee was told that there have been tentative inquiries from potential buyers.
The bookshop at No 8 has recently closed, along with the cafe which could not be sustained commercially without the bookshop. Some interest has also been expressed in renting the bookshop area, but it would only be on a short-term basis. It was agreed that a tenant would be considered on the basis of what kind of material it was planned to offer as well as its rental value.
Finance Chairman Adam Woricker told members of the committee that it had now been suggested that there was a case for marketing the entire set of properties, which had been valued at around £2.2million. The Federation could acquire premises, perhaps on a commercial estate somewhere nearby, perhaps on the Ml Corridor, for a lesser sum.
This would not only be of financial benefit to the Federation, but also make it much easier for people to park nearby - difficult and expensive in central Nottingham. It may also be possible to locate near to a suitable hotel to provide accommodation for meetings and courses.
The Committee has asked for further investigations and feasibility study and will return to the matter when it meets in the autumn.
Members were told that the installation of broadband for students renting newly upgraded accommodation at Cleaves hall had cost £7,000. The facility was essential to attract student tenants. Broadband signals in central Nottingham were in any case very poor.
The investment and trading finances for the Congregational Federation continue to improve, according to a report by Finance Manager Gary Baker. Figures presented to the Finance and Support Services Committee indicated that total assets at the end of 2009 were £8m, compared with £7.6m in the previous year.
Members were reminded that when the Federation was formed in 1972 there were some who thought it would not last, as it would not be financially viable after two or three years.
General Secretary Michael Heaney reported that the Federation in 2009 had given grants across a whole range of purposes amounting to a quarter of a million pounds.
'We are very fortunate compared to some denominations, low staffing levels mean that the majority of our resources can be used for our programmes directly supporting churches and individuals', he said.
Mr. Baker said 2009 had been a 'very good year for the Federation, considering that there has been the economic downturn, and the credit crunch. Our finances continue to operate on a sound basis, which is a testament to the sound management policy of the Council, and with grateful acknowledgement for the continued financial support from churches and areas.
'It is an encouragement to see the disciplined stewardship operated by all budget holders-committees, boards and staff members.'
Members were told that in December the Federation was due to receive around £1m from the funds of the Congregational Memorial Hall Trust, in the form of a share of their investment portfolio. The Memorial Hall trustees had decided to disburse half of its assets to the various recipients, rather than make an annual donation to each of them. The Federation would need to use this lump sum for income generation to offset the reduction in annual grant from the Trust which for 2010 is £110,000 and will be £20,000 for 2011.
It was agreed to recommend that church affiliation fees - unchanged for the last four years - should increase from £110 to £113 and from £4 per church member to £4.10. As in the past, churches which had difficulty in finding affiliation fees are invited to discuss the situation. 'We don't force people to pay' said Finance Chairman Adam Woricker.