Overview

This bill aims to abolish the legal responsibility of lay rectors (individuals who hold certain church land) for the repair and maintenance of church chancels in England. The bill removes this long-standing liability, preventing future claims for chancel repair costs.

Description

The Chancel Repairs Bill eliminates the liability of lay rectors for chancel repairs. This means that after the bill becomes law, no individual will be legally responsible for covering the cost of repairs to a church chancel simply because they are a lay rector.

Transitional Provisions

The bill includes transitional provisions. Existing claims made before the bill's enactment, or within two years of its enactment, will still be processed. However, new claims against individuals based on their status as a lay rector after the bill comes into force will not be permitted. This two-year period applies to cases already underway and new cases brought by other lay rectors within that period.

Geographical Scope and Commencement

The bill applies only to England and comes into force on the day it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The potential costs associated with chancel repairs are shifted from lay rectors to other funding mechanisms, such as church funds or local authorities, but no direct government funding is involved.

Groups Affected

• Lay rectors: This bill significantly benefits lay rectors by removing a potentially substantial financial burden. They are relieved of the responsibility for chancel repairs.
• Churches and Church authorities: Churches will need to find alternative funding sources for chancel repairs, potentially affecting their budgets and maintenance plans.
• Individuals with claims against lay rectors: Those with ongoing or pending legal claims against lay rectors for chancel repairs may still be able to pursue them within the two-year transitional period.

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