Property
The Property Department is responsible for the inspection, repair and maintenance, acquisition and disposal of the diocesan housing stock.
In 2008 we took responsibility for 317 clergy houses, carrying out 57 quinquennial inspections and 25 clergy moves.
We purchased one property for use as a parsonage and rented in 16 houses for curates. We also rented out 40 surplus parsonages collecting £93,000 in rent. We handled the payment of Council Tax and water rates for clergy, totaling over £67,200.
The Department is staffed by the Property Secretary and Building Officer. Working to the Diocesan Parsonages and Glebe Manual, we are responsible for the inspection, repair and maintenance, acquisition and disposal of the diocesan housing stock. We are responsible for identifying and acquiring housing for curates, the payment of Council Tax and water rates for curates and other diocesan staff appointments.
Diocesan commercial Glebe land and properties are managed, under the supervision of the committee, by agents. The department also supervises emergency repairs and security work to redundant churches.
Inspection of houses
The Property department is responsible for the inspection of the diocesan houses. This is done through the quinquennial inspection scheme, houses are also inspected at vacancy and prior to occupation and if any major faults are found in the interim. Working within strict budgetary constraints, every effort is made to ensure our properties are kept in a good state of repair. Ongoing maintenance includes an annual gas safety inspection and quinquennial electrical inspection. The refurbishment and improvement of houses is, whenever possible, undertaken during vacancies but in conjunction with the incoming occupants and Church Wardens.
Commercial Glebe management
The diocese has a small but valuable commercial Glebe estate which produces approximately 10% of diocesan income, contributing £5100 to each parish. Because of the specialist nature of this work, it is carried out by agents who report to the Property Secretary and Property Committee.
St John's House, Bury
In 2008 the Bishop of Manchester opened St John’s House in Bury which will provide long-term rental income, helping to reduce parish share. The diocese invested £2.2 million in the redevelopment of The Rock in Bury, which is a prime retail and office space.
See Bishop Open's St John 's House
The Property Department reports to the Property Committee which is a sub-committee of the Diocesan Board of Finance. It works to the Miscellaneous Provisions measure 2005, Parsonages Measure 1938, Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972 and Endowments and Glebe Measure 1976. The Property Committee meets six times per year.
