A comprehensive survey on the incomes and personal spending of churchgoers has confirmed that the streets of Brentwood really are paved with gold.
The study to determine how much should be paid into central church coffers has revealed the accuracy of Government social data that shows Brentwood to be one of the wealthiest areas in Essex.
Church of England leaders have been trying to build an accurate financial picture of people in the pews to make parish contributions to diocesan funds fairer.
Brentwood Deanery Synod took part in the survey because it believed churches in the area were being "heavily taxed" because figures suggested its inhabitants were rich and they could afford to pay more.
Deanery officials suspected the data was wrong because of the high cost of living, such as mortagages. In fact they found out the information was largely correct.
But the Brentwood results cannot be compared to other deaneries in the Chelsmford Diocese because less than a handful have taken part.
The confidential survey was handed to parishioners at every Church of England place of worship in the deanery.
It asked worshippers for information on occupation, income, type of dwelling, council tax banding, housing costs and current giving to the church.
The average personal disposable income of a Brentwood churchgoer is almost £16,000.
Published Thursday, June 26, 2003
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