The Archbishop of York has apologised for safeguarding failures in the Church Commissioners’ annual report.

The Church Commissioners manage the Church of England’s property and investment portfolio.

Most Rev Stephen Cottrell wrote in this year’s update that he is “truly sorry for the prolific and abhorrent abuse highlighted in the report and its lifelong effects on its victims”.

The report also describes the Church’s “reputational risk” as being “at an elevated level”, given the Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation over safeguarding failures in November 2024.

The warning came as the Church Commissioners announced they would be investing more than £1.6 billion towards the work of the Church from 2026 to 2028. Part of this funding will go towards a victim redress scheme, which had already been announced. It will be comprised of £150 million.

Additionally, £30 million will be allocated towards a national safeguarding network.

Dame Sarah Mullally said: “While no amount of money can ever erase the harm done by perpetrators of abuse, these spending plans will support the vital work of safeguarding in the Church and underpin the new National Redress scheme.”

The report states: “Further reaction (including negative comment) to this programme of work is expected when the intended new Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice is launched, making investments and issuing grants.”