THE PCC of St Mary's, Saffron Walden, in Essex, has decided not
to register chancel-repair liability (CRL) against households in
the parish, writes Ed Thornton. It was thought that
collecting the tax ran "contrary to sharing God's love".
The Saffron Walden Reporter reported last week that the
PCC's decision had been accepted by the Charity Commission.
The Government has passed legislation that requires PCCs to
register liability, where it exists, with the Land Registry, by
October this year (News, 12
October). St Mary's has no plans to make repairs to its chancel
roof before that date.
The Rector of St Mary's, the Revd David Tomlinson, said:
"Looking to this outdated law to finance some remedial work on the
church building would run contrary to our aim to share God's love
and to serve the people of Saffron Walden.
"Hence, I am delighted that we have been able to clarify this
matter, and to let all the residents of Saffron Walden know that
there is no need to take out insurance against this historic
liability.
"St Mary's is a magnificent parish church, there for everyone,
and I am sure that the parochial church council, along with all
those who love and value it, will be determined to maintain it in
good condition for successive generations."