Bishop of St Albans leads debate on growing the rural economy

The Bishop of St Albans led a debate on the importance of growing the rural economy on 19th December 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, I am grateful to all those who have signed up to speak in this debate on growing the rural economy, not least because of the breadth of experience and knowledge that is represented in your Lordships’ House which we will be drawing on today. In doing so, I declare my interest as president of the Rural Coalition and as a vice-president of the Local Government Association.

Many people dream of moving into the countryside because of the quality of life that it can offer. I think of the strength of rural communities, the high levels of social capital and the way that people support one another—no wonder it is attractive. We in the Church of England are glad to play our part in that: we are at the heart of many of our rural communities across the country, wanting to contribute to their flourishing and thriving.

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans leads debate on growing the rural economy”

Bishop of Guildford tables question on homeschooling regulations

On 19th December 2024, the Bishop of Guildford tabled a question on government efforts to regulate homeschooling following the murder of Sara Sharif:

The Lord Bishop of Guildford: To ask His Majesty’s Government whether they plan to review the rules on home schooling in the light of the murder of Sara Sharif.

Continue reading “Bishop of Guildford tables question on homeschooling regulations”

Bishop of St Albans asks about safety concerns regarding scooters and e-bikes

The Bishop of St Albans asked a question on safety concerns relating to scooters and e-bikes on 19th December 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, with reports of deaths on the pavements from e-bikes and e-scooters, there is a lot of worry about safety, particularly for those who are disabled or partially sighted. Can the Minister assure us that, when the consultations go ahead, charities working with people in such situations will be consulted, so that we can make sure we are offering them the maximum protection on our pavements and streets?

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about safety concerns regarding scooters and e-bikes”

Bishop of Derby asks about bullying in schools

The Bishop of Derby received the following written answer on 19th December 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Derby asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the success of Anti-Bullying Week 2024, and what initiatives they have in place to eradicate bullying.

Continue reading “Bishop of Derby asks about bullying in schools”

Bishop of Lincoln asks about measures to end child poverty

The Bishop of Lincoln received the following written answer on 19th December 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Lincoln asked His Majesty’s Government whether they intend to take forward plans to introduce a children’s wellbeing bill as mentioned in the King’s Speech; and if so, what steps they are taking to include measures to end child poverty in a given timeframe.

Continue reading “Bishop of Lincoln asks about measures to end child poverty”

Bishop of Gloucester asks about use of electronic tagging

The Bishop of Gloucester received the following written answer on 19th December 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked His Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to ensure that electronic monitoring tags are available in all sizes and that no one will be required to remain in prison solely because there is no electronic tag that will fit them.

Continue reading “Bishop of Gloucester asks about use of electronic tagging”

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Archbishops Termination of Employment, Marriage, and Cemeteries

On 19th December 2024, Marsha De Cordova MP, representing the Church Commissioners, gave the following written answers to questions from MPs:

Archbishops: Termination of Employment

Mr Richard Holden MP (Con, Basildon & Billericay): To ask the Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church of England has a formal process for the removal of an Archbishop.

Continue reading “Church Commissioners Written Questions: Archbishops Termination of Employment, Marriage, and Cemeteries”

Bishop of St Albans asks about affordable rural housing

The Bishop of St Albans asked a question on affordable housing in rural areas on 18th December 2024, during a discussion on Permitted Development Rights (PDR):

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, can the Minister tell us what steps her department is taking to ensure that enough of the homes being built under the PDR are affordable for local people in rural areas?

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about affordable rural housing”

Bishop of Chelmsford asks about changes to agricultural property relief

The Bishop of Chelmsford received the following written answer on 18th December 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government how many conversations the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had with farming sector representatives about changes to agricultural property relief prior to the change being announced.

Continue reading “Bishop of Chelmsford asks about changes to agricultural property relief”

Bishop of St Albans asks about Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answers on 18th December 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government:

  • what estimate they have made of the number of churches and cathedrals currently open for daily access that would be likely to be closed for daily public access due to their condition as a result of any withdrawal of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme in March 2025.
  • when they plan to announce the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme”