Cynon Uchaf Ministry Area Council Key Decisions 7th Oct 2026

Governance and Administration

• When the MA was formed it was decided that decisions made by the individual PCCs would be honoured as long as they related to their specific churches. It has come to light that due to the lack of records from Aberdare PCCs prior to the formation of the MA it is difficult to check exactly what decisions have been made.

• This has led to confusion over then nature of decisions. It was agreed that all decisions made by past PCCs are void.

• A new record-keeping policy was unanimously approved, requiring both paper and electronic copies of all MAC minutes to be retained, with secure storage at St Fagan's and on Microsoft 365. This will provided clarity of decisions into the future.

Faculties and Compliance

• The MAC unanimously approved retrospective faculty applications for:

  • The CCTV system at St Elvan's, installed for security purposes.

  • Two memorial prayer desks that had previously been introduced without faculty approval.

• All necessary paperwork has now been prepared to regularise these matters.

Tribunal and Charity Commission

• The disciplinary tribunal concerning Fr Robert Davis has concluded, although the findings remain confidential pending the appeal period.

• The Charity Commission has requested an update on the tribunal and the handling of missing funds.

• It was confirmed that approximately £4,000-£5,000 had been spent on church supplies without proper authorisation.

• The MAC agreed to report the tribunal outcome and financial findings to the Charity Commission once the decision is published.

• Pastoral and reconciliation services will be offered during Advent and Lent.

Policies

• A new Whistleblower Policy was unanimously approved and will be published on the website, providing clear reporting and escalation procedures.

Property and Buildings

St Lleurwg's

• Specialist advice recommended a conservation-led approach to the wall and dry rot issues.

• The MAC approved seeking an emergency/interim faculty and paying the consultant's fee.

St Winifred's

• A contractor has been selected for new toilet facilities.

• Work will begin in January and is fully externally funded.

St Luke's

• The roof repair work appears successful, with no recent water ingress.

• Internal plaster repairs can now proceed.

St Elvan's Premises Licence

• It was believed that the PCC had agreed to apply for the licence before the formation of the MA. No minutes of any PCCs can be found to confirm any decisions, which is why we adopted the record keeping policy. 

• The MAC unanimously supported a premises licence application allowing controlled alcohol sales during events within the coffee shop/mezzanine area.

• Members emphasised that St Elvan's would not operate as a public bar.

• Oversight and monthly reviews were delegated to the St Elvans Executive Committee.

Financial Strategy

To address a projected £40,000 deficit, the MAC discussed a new financial strategy centred on:

1. Friends of Cynon Uchaf Scheme

   • Community subscription scheme (£4 per month).

   • Target of 100 supporters in its first year.

2. Digital Giving Expansion

   • Greater use of QR codes and online donations.

   • Particular focus on baptism and seasonal service giving.

3. Congregational Giving Campaign for Jan 2026

   • Proposal encouraging members to give as part of a wider strategy.

Additional measures include:

• Encouraging Direct Giving to improve Gift Aid recovery.

• Continued cost controls.

• Developing supplementary income streams such as sponsoring sanctuary lamps.

Members will review the strategy before the next meeting.