FACULTY JURISDICTION (AMENDMENT) RULES 2022

As part of the Church of England's commitment to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2030, the faculty rules have been amended to help churches meet their carbon reduction targets.

The new rules, which took effect on 1st July 2022, require churches to have due regard to the Church Buildings Council's advice on Net Zero Carbon for those proposals where it applies; that "net zero guidance" is set out here:

FACULTY CHANGES (2022) AND KEY GUIDANCE

Most of the changes to Lists A and B will make it easier for churches to make adaptations such as insulating pipes, draft-proofing doors and windows, fitting new non-fossil fuel boilers, electric pew heaters, electric car charging points and soft furnishings to help worshippers feel warm and comfortable, whilst the installation of like-for-like fossil fuel boilers and new oil tanks will now be subject to a full faculty application.

NOTE: churches are not prevented from having fossil fuel boilers, they simply need to be able to justify their installation in the light of "net zero guidance".

The new rules will also make it easier for churches to install wireless internet and broadband equipment. The new Lists A and B will be incorporated into the Online Faculty System, but you can also read the full lists here:

LISTS A AND B