Le Tocq and Gollop push for debate on upkeep of rectories
Two more politicians are pushing for the issue of parishes paying for rectories to be fully debated in the States.
Deputies Jonathan Le Tocq and John Gollop are proposing that parishes could be released from the obligation.
It follows on from a similar amendment by deputies Al Brouard and Sue Aldwell, which called for the obligation to be abolished by 2035.
The two members of Policy & Resources Committee said that the full committee had considered, but rejected, a similar move while considering the narrower issue of the maintenance of rectories in parish plurality arrangements.
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They said that issues had been raised, following legal advice, which made it clear that more work would be needed before such a change could be enacted.
The advice raised legal risks, including compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights, financial implications, and the need for consultation. The two deputies’ amendment would direct the next Policy & Resources committee to conduct the necessary consultation and analysis.
‘This amendment provides a clear policy direction while ensuring that the legal and financial risks are properly managed,’ they said.
‘This approach balances the need for reform with the importance of due process, stakeholder engagement, and legal certainty.’
The original Rectories in Plurality policy letter, which has sought to resolve a dispute between the parishes of St Saviour’s and Torteval over contributions to the maintenance of St Saviour’s rectory, where a shared rector lives, is set to be debated in this week’s States meeting, which starts today.
