Clergy property


The Parsonages Committee aims to provide and maintain good quality cost effective housing to support clergy in their ministry. The committee work to provide the best standards of accommodation as possible, within a budget agreed by the Diocesan Synod. Standards of accommodation are set out further within the clergy housing handbook.

Housing Handbooks

Download the Clergy Housing Handbook | PDF 

Download the Curates Housing Handbook | PDF

Environmental Policy

We take account of the Synodical Environmental Policy as far as is practicable within available budgets. In terms of clergy housing, the most overt and tangible examples of this policy in action are:

  • uPVC replacement double glazed windows fitted to as many properties as possible 
  • a gradual upgrade programme of all central heating boilers to SEDBUK A-rated condensing boilers, complemented by modern systems of control. 
  • Upgrading of all loft insulation to the current building regulation recommendation of 270mm of mineral wool 
  • a multitude of energy conservation aids (such as draft proofing) which are adopted where possible during improvement or refurbishment work.

Retirement Housing

The Committee (nor the Diocesan Board of Finance as an organisation) does not provide retirement housing for clergy. A well-subscribed system is operated however by the Church of England Pensions Board. The Church of England website contains a good deal of information for those looking and planning ahead.

Further information

For property related queries, please see the Clergy Housing Handbook (above) or contact the Diocesan Office 01473 298500 for any additional assistance or email property@cofesuffolk.org. 

Page last updated  21 October 2020