Written question asked by Robert Syms (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 October 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 October 2022. A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 10 November 2022. A substantive answer was provided by Andrew Selous (Conservative) on Monday, 21 November 2022 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

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Church of England: Longfleet

Question

To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church of England has made of the implications for its policies on the proper use of Church moneis of the case in the ecclesiastical Parish of Longfleet, St Mary's, Poole; what episcopal oversight was there of that case and when the Commisioners were informed of the details; and if the Commissioners will take steps to share lessons learned for best practice with other diocese.

Answer

The parochial church council is a charitable body subject to the oversight of the Charity Commission. I understand that the Charity Commission is aware of the case following a referral by the Diocese of Salisbury and the office of the Bishop of Salisbury. The National Church Institutions cannot provide guidance to trustees on particular cases, but the Legal Advisory Commission regularly provides updates for PCCs and other trustee bodies on their general duties and obligations.

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Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

72919

Session

2022-23

Subjects

Church of England Longfleet

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk