1. The General Assembly, recognising that occasions may arise when ministry in the local congregation will need to be subsided to secure its immediate future, hereby approve the establishment of a Subsided Charge as a means of providing a short-term plan for ministry in line with the provisions of Act 1, Class 1, 2028 anent Sustentation Fund, paragraph 7.2.3., in the following terms.
2. The General Assembly declare that meetings of the Assembly will continue in the Assembly Hall at St Columba’s Free Church, Edinburgh, due to the additional costs of hiring an alternative venue in Edinburgh, the advantages of the proximity of administrative assistance from the Offices, and the privilege of having an annual visit from the King’s Lord High Commissioner.
3. The General Assembly declare that the travel costs incurred by Presbyteries for the attendance of Commissioners at the General Assembly and its Commissions should be shared equitably across the Church. They declare that the Board of Trustees should make suitable arrangements for the reimbursement of travel costs to Commissioners within the UK that are in line with the Church’s Expenses Policy and then share the total travel costs equitably across the Presbyteries. Presbyteries shall continue to contribute directly to the costs of the food and accommodation incurred by their Commissioners for attendance at the General Assembly.
4. The General Assembly encourage Presbyteries to appoint Commissioners on a provisional basis in December so they can take advantage of discounts that might be available for advance booking of accommodation and travel. They also encourage Presbyteries and Commissioners to consider sharing travel and accommodation to reduce the costs of attending the Assembly.