This has become an invaluable way for the Parish to remain financially stable and to plug the gap that would otherwise have emerged between the cost of running of the Parish and our income.

As costs have risen, income has not risen in line meaning that without the Gift Aid scheme our finances would not have supported our pastoral ambitions and the upkeep of our fine church. Fortunately, the tax reclaimed from contributions of our parishioners who have taken part in the Gift Aid scheme - AT NO COST TO THEMSELVES - means that we have been able to preserve our financial position whilst maintaining our parish.

Anyone who pays income tax in the UK is able to "Gift Aid" their contributions meaning that the Parish receives an extra 25% on the contributions at no cost to the payer. All that is required to take part is a simple sign-up form and for donations to be paid in either envelopes (which we supply) or by standing order. If you would consider taking part, please use the form on our Contact page or speak to one of the Priests. 

If you are paying tax, there is no reason not to take part in this scheme and recover some of the tax you pay for the benefit of your Parish. There is no minimum amount that has to be paid. Below are some answers to common questions raised about the scheme.

Please do consider taking part in the Gift Aid scheme.

    I can’t afford to pay any more than I do now 
There is no minimum amount you must pay by gift aid. Quite simply, ANY amount you give to St Bridget’s can be increased at no additional cost to you, by taking part in the Gift Aid scheme. 

I don’t want to pay by standing order
You can pay by envelope (we will supply this) instead of by standing order.  You can pay weekly or monthly. The choice is yours.

I might not always be able to pay this amount to St Bridget’s or I might not be here every week
Whatever you pay is increased by a tax amount - there is no need to pay the same amount each week. 

I don’t want to complicate my tax affairs 
Once you have signed up to Gift Aid there is nothing else you need do. If you pay higher rate tax, you can reclaim higher rate tax via your own annual return if you chose.  For those who pay basic rate tax there is nothing else you need to do and there is no complication of your tax affairs. 

I don’t want my employer to know anything about payments to St Bridget’s
Your employer is not involved and won’t know anything about your Gift Aid arrangement with St Bridget’s. 

I don’t want to fill out complicated forms or have to complete a tax return every year 
Once you have signed our very simple declaration to take part in Gift Aid there is nothing else you have to complete. 

I might not remember the envelope every week 
That isn’t a problem. Whatever you pay, whenever you pay it, your contribution will be increased by the Gift Aid scheme. 

I don’t pay tax 
If you do not pay tax then you cannot take part in the Gift Aid scheme.