Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, representing the Church Commissioners, what financial support is available to retired clergy.

Church of England stipendiary clergy are members of the Church of England defined benefit pension scheme, which provides a guaranteed income for the whole of their retirement, plus an at-retirement lump sum and benefits for surviving spouses or civil partners. In July 2025, the General Synod voted to increase the pension scheme's benefits.

In addition, stipendiary clergy households that do not own their own home have access to the Church’s retirement housing scheme, which provides a secure lifetime tenancy of a rental property, subsidised to circa 60% of equivalent market rent.

The Archbishops’ Council and Church Commissioners have committed £95.7m over the period 2026-28 to support and subsidise the retirement housing scheme and provide new services to clergy to assist them in making provision for their retirement.

In-retirement support includes access to specialist advice services and a charitable grant scheme to support those on the lowest incomes.

All the foregoing are provided by the Church’s national bodies. Additionally, support is available from other bodies, including the Churches Mutual Credit Union, the Clergy Support Trust, and other clergy charities.