Clergy information

Update on Parochial Fees 2011-12

Following the recent decision by the General Synod not to approve the 2011 Parochial Fees Order please note the following:

1. The current levels of Parochial Fees, as set out in the 2011 national Parochial Fees table continue to apply until further notice. 

2. We can expect further national advice about the level of Parochial Fees to be charged in 2012 in due course.

3. In the meantime, please ensure you comply with the advice given in the appended paper GS999, recently issued by Church House London, especially that given in paragraphs 8 - 10 concerning  what in law may, and may not be charged as 'extras'.

This is an attempt to clear away confusion on “extras” that has pertained for some years.  Please be clear that this underlines the fact that any added costs to do with heating, vergers etc must be negotiated in advance with the couple/family concerned.  The portion of the fee designated to the PCC has always been intended to include reasonable costs for heating and vergers. It is not and never has been lawful to simply add on extra costs for these without good reason or without the prior agreement of the party concerned.  I do realise that to do so has become custom and practice in many parishes, resulting in a large variation in the fees being charged across our parish churches.  Lack of consensus on this matter was one of the main reasons the Fees Measure seeking to bring in more uniform and much higher levels of fees failed at the recent York General Synod.

It is hoped that the General Synod will resolve this unsatisfactory situation when it next meeting in February 2012.

4. General guidance in respect of fees can be found in the Clergy Handbook under Appendix I entitled “Diocesan Regulations & Guidelines”, which if you have misplaced your hard copy can be found on the diocesan website at....

Peter Hill
Archdeacon of Nottingham
26 July 2011