HC Deb 27 June 2000 vol 352 cc469-71W
Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, (1) when he expects the General Synod to decide on the Archbishops' Council's review of the clergy remuneration package; [127123]

(2) when he expects an announcement to be made following the Archbishops' Council's consideration of the clergy remuneration package. [127126]

Mr. Stuart Bell

The Review Group set up by the Archbishop's Council will consult widely by means of a survey to be sent to all stipendiary clergy and licensed layworkers, the purpose of which is to assess how clergy are managing financially. The Group has also prepared a consultation document for discussion within the Church.

It is hoped that an interim report will be made to the Council this November, but at this stage it is too early to say when the General Synod will discuss the review and be able to take a decision on its findings, or when an announcement will be made.

Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the factors the Archbishops' Council will take into account in reaching a decision on the clergy remuneration package. [127125]

Mr. Stuart Bell

The factors comprising the Review Group's formal terms of reference are listed in answer to the previous question. Responses to consultation will be another key factor. In addition to the financial survey to be sent to all stipendiary clergy and licensed layworkers, the Group's consultation document for discussion within the Church asks for views on the concept of the stipend, its structure, the principle of differentials, other elements of the remuneration package, and the ability of the Church to fund any increases in stipends.

I have arranged for my hon. Friend to be sent a copy of the consultation document.

Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will list the main components of the clergy remuneration package to be considered by the Archbishops' Council. [127124]

Mr. Stuart Bell

The principal elements of the remuneration package to be considered include the level and structure of the stipend itself, pension provision and housing. It will consider how stipends are to be funded as well as the level at which they should be set.

The Group' s formal terms of reference are:

  1. (i) To consider the concept and definition of the stipend;
  2. (ii) To examine the content of the clergy remuneration package (including retirement provision) and its comparability with remuneration for other groups;
  3. (iii) To ascertain, through a properly conducted large-scale survey of clergy and consultations with dioceses and charities, the financial circumstances of clergy;
  4. (iv) To review the size of dignitaries' differentials;
  5. (v) In conjunction with the Finance Committee, to evaluate the affordability and long-term financial sustainability of the present arrangements and any proposals for change;
  6. (vi) To consider the implications for any proposals for: clergy deployment and partnership between dioceses; future numbers of stipendiary clergy and patterns of ministry
  7. (vii) To consider whether the present structure for setting stipends should be retained and outline possible alternative structures;

  1. (viii) To consult with the Church Commissioners, the Pensions and Board and dioceses;
  2. (ix) To consult with other national church bodies through the Churches Main Committee and government agencies on matters of fiscal and taxation policy which affect stipends, in particular the treatment of benefits in kind;

And to determine options for wide debate within the Church.