Read our advice on the recent chancel repair liability reports
Read our advice on the recent chancel repair liability reports
Earlier this month it was reported that some home owners across the UK could receive letters from the Land Registry warning that they may be responsible for paying repairs to their local churches after parishes were ordered to enforce a 500-year-old land law,says David Henderson of Strutt & Parker's Shrewsbury office.
Because of the way land was distributed after the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII, some home owners situated close to historic churches may have a legal obligation to fund the repairs.
People living in more than 5,000 parishes in England and Wales could be subject to the chancel repair liabilities which affect properties built on former monastic land. Parishes will have to register the chancel repair with the Land Registry, trawling through land records dating back hundreds of years to clarify exactly who is liable.
Henderson spoke to Strutt & Parker's head of Building Consultancy, Jane Henshaw, who advises: "If you receive a letter in the post,don't panic. Further information on the likely level of cost will be available from the Church of England; they regularly prepareQuinquennial Surveys of their churches, and this should explain the planned maintenance costs that can be reasonably anticipated. Askto see the document which may put your mind at rest over the level of likely expenditure. Another aspect is to understand what other properties are likely to share the cost with you. These two pieces of information should reveal the extent of your liabilities, which may not be at all significant."
By 13 October 2013, parishes must record all houses that a reliable for the ancient charge or face the responsibility themselves. English Heritage has announced that it will not provide grants for church repairs if the parishioners had a legal duty to pay which was not imposed by the church.
Henshaw adds: "We can advise on issues related to this and it may also be worthwhile making enquiries of your solicitor in the first instance, and then if necessary, seek an insurance policy".
If you would like advice on the matter or solicitor recommendations please contact Jane Henshaw in the