Parsonage Houses and Housing Policy - Housing of other Staff

Housing of other Staff

Housing of staff other than incumbent/priest-in-charge is a parish responsibility.

"Under special pastoral circumstances" the Diocese may offer an available local property at a reduced rent for a period of time, subject to the Archdeacon obtaining the approval of the Finance Committee:-
1. Where the Bishop wishes to establish a training post, and it is agreed by the Area Staff and Area Council that the finances of the parish are too limited to purchase or rent a property at full market rate, subject to funds being available.
2. Where for reasons of mission, the Bishop agrees the appointment of an ordained or licensed lay worker, and it is agreed by the Area Staff and Area Council that the finances of the parish are too limited to purchase or rent a property at full market rate subject to funds being available.
If the Diocese owns a property in the locality and the property is available the parish can rent the house at market value.
For curates in training the Diocese will pay the stipend and council tax. The PCC is required to provide the housing.
In all other situations the PCC should take the decision to support the appointment of additional staff, ordained or lay, by agreeing to fund the full cost of he appointment including housing. The Diocese may be able to support the parish through the provision of a loan to purchase a house. An application form is available for this purpose. The house is then a PCC asset subject to the loan if taken being repaid.

The Diocese has 55 training posts; in future the Diocese will include a provision in the budget for contributing toward the cost of housing a number of these clergy. (Actual number to be confirmed.) All parishes will contribute to the cost of this through the Common Fund.