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The Role of the Church Commissioners

The final decision about the future of a redundant church building rests with the Church Commissioners. They are helped by the advice of the Advisory Board for Redundant Churches, a body created by the Pastoral Measure. Before a proposal for a new use, demolition or preservation can take effect the Commissioners (through their Redundant Churches Division) must prepare and publish a draft scheme and consider any representations.

The Church Commissioners distribute the proceeds of the sale of redundant churches and sites. At least two-thirds of the proceeds are returned to dioceses for the support of the living Church and are used for purposes such as clergy stipends and housing and new church buildings - a sum of approximately £26 million since 1969, when the Measure took effect. A share helps with the maintenance of redundant churches pending a decision on their future, while the rest goes towards the Church's share of financing the Churches Conservation Trust.