The Diocese of Leicester has 144 residential properties in its estate. Most are parsonages, the remainder being Glebe or “DBF” houses. The number of properties significantly outnumber the number of clergy and so many are currently rented out.
In its management, retention and disposal policy of the housing estate, the Diocese needs to consider pastoral need and financial efficiency foremost. This is especially so given the formation of Minster Communities and the need to get to a sustainable financial position in the near future. Housing policy is therefore a big part of getting the best mission outcomes for the diocese and God’s kingdom.
With this foremost in mind, the Trustees and relevant committees have approved a housing retention, selling and buying policy that fits the need to provide good quality, environmentally efficient and missionally ideal located housing. To achieve this there is a necessity to raise funds from excess housing (housing not required from a missional point of view or not in an ideal location for it). The diocese is determined to provide the best located housing for clergy and missional need when Minster Communities are formed.
The above means that there will have to be sales of housing, including existing parsonages, where the housing is not in the right location anymore or of lower quality than required in terms of social and environmental needs.
With the proceeds of such sales, funds will be used to buy more suitable parsonages where needed and improve the existing housing stock to comply with environmental targets and laws. Any excess funds beyond the needs just quoted will, where allowed, be invested to generate investment income to go towards the mission of the diocese.
Not all parishes and benefices will need a change in their housing provision, but this communication is going out to all in the diocese so that those contacted in the coming months about a need to review housing in their parishes understand that it is part of a coordinated diocesan housing strategy.
Of course, any proposed sale or purchase or major improvement of housing will still go through the Church Property/Parsonage measures in the usual way.
The whole process will, of course, also closely consult clergy and other occupants of our housing to make sure clergy and parishes feel that housing options are in the best interests of everyone and the parish. This project will improve the quality of housing. The project will also ensure it is easier to provide parish stipend clergy in parishes by making the housing provision more attractive and in the right locations.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact me and I will do my best to help answer.
Simon Wilson
Director of Finance
Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance
simon.wilson@leicestercofe.org