§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what plans the Church Commissioners have to review the estimated value of the housing clergy receive. [94040]
§ Mr. Stuart BellThe Archbishops' Council, in its annual report as central Stipends Authority, provides an assessment of the value of the amount clergy would have to earn if they were to have to provide and maintain domestic accommodation (excluding office space) for themselves and their families.
The clergy remuneration package (including the value of provided housing) will be considered by the group set up by the Archbishops' Council to review clergy stipends. The group will make a preliminary report to the Council in November 2000.
§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what plans the Church Commissioners have for changing the housing situation of retired clergy as regards obtaining their own property. [94052]
§ Mr. Stuart BellThere are currently no plans to change the retirement provisions for clergy. The level of clergy pensions and retirement lump sums recognise the need for retired clergy to meet the cost of their housing.
The Church of England Pensions Board operates a scheme for assisting with the actual provision of retirement housing. Under the scheme, applicants with some resources can be granted value-linked mortgage loans to enable them to purchase a property. Those with very limited resources may occupy a property owned by the Board, for which they pay a maintenance contribution. Most of the finance for the scheme is provided by the Church Commissioners.