PART 3

CARE OF CHURCHES ETC.

Role of churchwardens, PCCs and archdeacons

Role of churchwardens in inspecting fabric etc. of church
50
1
The churchwardens in each parish must, at least once every calendar year, inspect or cause an inspection to be made of the fabric of the church and all articles appertaining to the church.
2
The churchwardens in each parish must, in every calendar year, deliver to the PCC and, on behalf of the PCC, to the annual parochial church meeting a report (“the annual fabric report”) on the fabric of the church and all articles appertaining to it, having due regard to the inspection (or inspections) under subsection (1).
3
The annual fabric report must include an account of all actions taken or proposed during the previous calendar year—
a
for the protection and maintenance of the fabric of the church and the articles appertaining to it, and
b
in particular, for the implementation of any recommendation contained in a report under the scheme referred to in section 45 (scheme for inspection of church).
4
In carrying out the duty under subsection (1) or (2), the churchwardens must consult the minister.
5
The annual fabric report must be delivered—
a
to the PCC at its last meeting before the annual parochial church meeting, and
b
to that annual parochial church meeting, with such amendments to the report as the PCC may make.
6
The churchwardens must, as soon as practicable after the beginning of each calendar year, produce to the PCC—
a
the terrier, the inventory and the log-book relating to events occurring in the previous calendar year, and
b
such other records as the churchwardens consider likely to assist the PCC in carrying out its functions in relation to the fabric of the church and articles appertaining to it.
7
The terrier, inventory and log-book produced to the PCC under subsection (6)(a) must be accompanied by a statement signed by the churchwardens to the effect that the contents of each are accurate.
8
In the case of a parish which has more than one church, this section applies in relation to each church.