Parochial fees are legally chargeable for services that an incumbent is under a legal obligation to provide or conduct (e.g. weddings and funerals). Fees are set by the Church of England’s governing body, the General Synod, and Parliament. The amount payable consists of an element due to the PCC and an element due to the Diocesan Board of Finance (‘DBF’).
For an overall statement of our diocesan policy see: Clergy Information 4. Parochial and Other Fees
We recognise and thank all those ministers, ordained and lay, who provide support to our parishes without claiming fees. This is a gift beyond measure.
From March 2022, the following groups may receive fees if they so wish:
Please be aware that any such income is taxable, please seek appropriate advice from HMRC.
- Clergy with PTO, who are retired from stipendiary or self-supporting ministry, may make a claim to the PCC to receive a payment of 2/3 of the DBF fee for weddings.
- Clergy with PTO, who are retired from stipendiary or self-supporting ministry, may make a claim to the PCC to receive a payment of 2/3 of the DBF fee for funeral services.
In these contexts, ‘retired from stipendiary ministry’ refers to all clergy who have retired from a post in which they were paid for clerical duties, which includes, for example, chaplains, as well as parochial clergy. Clergy with PTO who have retired from self-supporting ministry may also claim if they so wish.
- Licensed retired clergy, SSMs or LLMs who are on the Clerical Registry list and take a funeral outside of the benefice where they regularly minister, may make a claim to the PCC to receive a payment of 2/3 of the DBF fee for funeral services.
In this context, LLMs whose training in funeral ministry is recognised by this Diocese.
- Licensed retired clergy or SSMs who are on the Clerical Registry list and take a wedding outside of the benefice where they regularly minister, may make a claim to the PCC to receive a payment of 2/3 of the DBF fee for weddings.
- Clergy with PTO who are retired from stipendiary or self-supporting ministry, licensed retired clergy*, SSMs* or LLMs* who are on the Clerical Registry list may make a claim to the WDBF to receive payment for regular service cover (*outside of their own benefice).
- During a vacancy, an SSM or an LLM, may claim for some regular services in their home benefice (via the Clerical Registry) if these services are in addition to their regular pattern of ministry.
- During a vacancy, an SSM or an LLM, may claim for some funeral services in their home benefice (via the Clerical Registry) if these services are in addition to their regular pattern of ministry.
- All clergy and officiants may ask for reimbursement of travel costs for funeral services from the funeral director. With regard to travel costs and expenses associated with other services, the parish is responsible for providing this and it should be offered by the parish at the time of taking the service.
We would like to acknowledge the wonderful care and support that is provided to parishes by our retired priests, SSMs, LLMs and everyone else – we thank you. Richard Brand
NB in exceptional circumstances, PTO clergy who are not retired may be eligible to claim fees after seeking the approval of their archdeacon.