§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what plans the Church Commissioners have to meet the full poll tax for those retired clergy renting houses from them on a maintenance charge basis.
§ Mr. AlisonRetired clergy in the rented arm of the Church's retirement housing scheme, where the accommodation is owned by the Church of England pensions board but largely funded by the Church Commissioners, have had their maintenance charges reduced to reflect the 529W abolition of domestic rates. They will also receive a special addition to their pension for 1990 (£100 for full service) to help ease the changeover to the community charge system.
§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what negotiations the Commissioners have had with the Secretary of State for the Environment over the effect of standard community charge levels on clergy who, while living in tied accommodation in their parishes, are buying, or have bought, a home for their retirement.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Bishop of London, as chairman of the Churches Main Committee representing all the major denominations, has taken this matter up with the Secretary of State as most ministers of religion in this position are being asked to pay the maximum multiplier of twice the standard community charge. This is despite the Secretary of State's advice given to local authorities last October. The Commissioners fully support the bishop's approach.