IHBC members are reminded that on 1 January 2016 the new simplified Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 come into force, as ChurchCare, the Church of England’s national resource, has recently reported.
IHBC Policy Secretary David Kincaid said: ‘The changes to the faculty Jurisdiction Rules seem to be sensible – a simplification of the existing process that should allow minor works of repair and maintenance to go ahead without a faculty.’
‘There is a new national list of works that do not require a faculty – List A – and a schedule of works that can be carried with the archdeacon’s approval but do not need a faculty – List B.
The various works are generally minor and should not affect ‘special interest’. List B does include treatment against woodworm and fungal attack which can be destructive of historic fabric, so hopefully the archdeacon in consultation with the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) will keep the excesses of woodworm treatment in check.’
ChurchCare writes:
There is a new national ‘A List’ of works which can be carried out on your church without a Faculty. This replaces all Diocesan De Minimus and Minor Works lists.
There is a new national ‘B List’ of works which can be carried out once the written permission of the Archdeacon has been obtained. Most of these will be repairs and routine maintenance or small works identified in the QI report. The Archdeacon must consult the DAC (usually via the Secretary) for informed informal advice, but this should be a speedy and simple process enabling parishes to get on with the work without delay. The Archdeacon may set conditions on the way the works are carried out.
All other works will still require a Faculty, although the process has been simplified in a number of respects. Your DAC Secretary will be able to advise you about the best way forward.
Further background on the new Rules is available as follows:
– A note from the Dean of Arches and Auditor which summarises the changes made by the Rules
– An explanatory memorandum that sets out the aspects of the 2013 Rules to be replaced by the 2015 Rules
See the full Rules
The A List can be found in Schedule I, Table 1 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015
The B List can be found in Schedule I, Table 2 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015
A list of DAC Secretaries …
To help you work with the new Lists A and B we have produced a list of Frequently Asked Questions
Churchcare article
