Church rates delay fails

DEPUTIES will today decide whether to press ahead with church funding reforms and with it continue a rift with the local Deanery.

They yesterday decided by just one vote to debate proposals by the Parochial and Ecclesiastical Rates Review Committee that have been seven years in the making, which crucially would give the parishes power to sell the rectories.

Also being proposed are boards with parish and church representation to oversee the management of the churches and glebe land.

The Dean has reserved the option of petitioning the Queen should the proposals go through unamended.

Chief Minister Lyndon Trott placed the unsuccessful sursis.