Revised and prescribed the fees payable to ecclesiastical judges, legal officers, and diocesan bodies for Church of England legal proceedings and annual offices beginning 1 January 2027.
This Order establishes updated fees payable to ecclesiastical judges, diocesan registrars, and legal officers within the Church of England, taking effect on 1 January 2027.
It prescribes fixed and hourly rates for proceedings in consistory courts, provincial appellate courts, the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved, Commissions of Review, and tribunals constituted under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003.
The instrument specifies fee collection rules, authorizes expense recovery for travel and hearings, aligns fee remissions with civil court standards at the expense of diocesan boards of finance, and revokes the 2025 predecessor order.
Arguments For
The order updates statutory fee structures for ecclesiastical judges, chancellors, and registrars to maintain appropriate remuneration for legal officers administering Church of England justice.
Prescribed fee amounts provide financial certainty and uniformity across diocesan consistory courts, appellate courts, and disciplinary tribunals.
Fee waiver and remission mechanisms ensure alignment with civil court protections under the Civil Proceedings Fees Order, allowing diocesan boards of finance to absorb costs for individuals qualifying for fee assistance.
Arguments Against
Increased fee scales add financial burdens to parishes, petitioners, and dioceses undertaking necessary church alterations or legal proceedings.
Requiring diocesan boards of finance to pay fees when exemptions or remissions are granted shifts the financial cost onto wider diocesan budgets.
Hourly billing provisions for judicial assessments, preparation, and ancillary correspondence introduce variable and potentially unpredictable legal costs into ecclesiastical disputes.
1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Ecclesiastical Judges, Legal Officers and Others (Fees) Order 2026.
(2) This Order comes into force on 1st January 2027.
(3) In the application of this Order to the diocese of Canterbury— (a) a reference to the consistory court is to be read as a reference to the commissary court of that diocese, and (b) a reference to the chancellor is, accordingly, to be read as a reference to the Commissary General.
(4) In this Order, "the 2018 Measure" means the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018.
Article 1 establishes the citation and brings the instrument into operation on 1 January 2027.
It adapts terminology for the diocese of Canterbury by equating the consistory court to the commissary court and the chancellor to the Commissary General.
It also defines references to the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018.
- Where in this Order there is a reference in any article to a specified amount of any fee payable to the chancellor or the registrar, the chancellor or the registrar (as the case may be) may determine that a fee should be paid up to the amount specified in any case.
Article 2 confers discretionary authority on chancellors and registrars regarding prescribed fee levels.
It allows them to decide that a fee may be set at any level up to the maximum amount specified for a given matter.
3.—(1) This article applies in relation to a petition for a faculty in respect of a building or part of a building, a curtilage of a building or an object or structure fixed to a building or part of a building or within its curtilage, which is subject to the faculty jurisdiction by virtue of section 43(1) of the 2018 Measure.
(2) On the submission of the petition, a fee of £247 is payable to the diocesan board of finance in respect of work done in relation to the petition (before or after it is submitted) by the diocesan advisory committee or an archdeacon in the diocese.
(3) But the diocesan board of finance may waive the whole or part of that fee, having regard to any financial contribution made to the funds of the diocese by— (a) those responsible for the building concerned, or (b) any other person who has a substantial interest in or connection with the building.
(4) No fee is payable under this article in the case of— (a) a building of the kind specified in section 38(2)(e) of the 2018 Measure (building subject to a sharing agreement), or (b) a chapel forming part of Lambeth Palace.
(5) In this article, "diocesan board of finance", in relation to a diocese, means the board of that name constituted under the Diocesan Boards of Finance Measure 1925.
Article 3 imposes a £247 fee payable to the diocesan board of finance when a faculty petition is submitted for building works subject to faculty jurisdiction.
The diocesan board of finance may reduce or waive this fee if parties connected to the building have made financial contributions to diocesan funds.
The provision exempts buildings subject to sharing agreements and Lambeth Palace chapels from the fee.
4.—(1) This article applies in relation to work done by a diocesan registrar in connection with— (a) a search in the register of patrons maintained under Part 1 of the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986, (b) the making of an extract from that register, or (c) the supply of a certified copy of an entry in that register.
(2) The fee payable for the work is a fee of the amount calculated in accordance with the Solicitors' (Non-Contentious Business) Remuneration Order 2009, except in so far as the work is within the scope of any annual fee for the time being payable to the diocesan registrar by virtue of section 86(1) and (3) of the 2018 Measure.
(3) The fee is payable by the person making the search or extract or requesting the copy.
Article 4 governs charges for work performed by a diocesan registrar concerning the register of patrons, including searches, extracts, and certified copies.
It calculates remuneration in accordance with the Solicitors' (Non-Contentious Business) Remuneration Order 2009, unless the work is already subsumed within the registrar's statutory annual fee.
The person requesting the register search, extract, or copy must pay the resulting fee.
5.—(1) This article applies in relation to proceedings in a consistory court.
(2) In the case of each matter specified in the first column of Table 1, the fee specified in the second or third column is payable to the chancellor or the registrar (as the case may be).
Table 1
| | | Chancellor - £ | Registrar - £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Submission of petition for a faculty. | 62 | 262 |
| 2. | Application for an injunction or restoration order under section 71 or 72 of the 2018 Measure. | 62 | 262 |
| 3. | The making of an injunction or restoration order under section 71 or 72 of the 2018 Measure on the court's own initiative. | 62 | 262 |
| 4. | Application for an order under section 63 of the 2018 Measure. | 80 | 188 |
| 5. | Application for a determination under section 68(12) of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011. | 133 | 133 |
| 6. | Commencement of any other proceedings which a consistory court has jurisdiction to hear and determine. | 80 | 188 |
| 7. | Application for security for costs (otherwise than at a hearing in respect of which a fee is payable under item 8) - (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 332
165 | 320
131 |
| 8. | The giving of directions or the making of an interlocutory order- (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 326
165 | 320
134 |
| 9. | The making of an order that proceedings are to be determined on the consideration of written representations (including the giving of directions for the purpose of determining proceedings on such a consideration). | | 133 |
| 10. | Consideration of written representations (per hour). | 165 | |
| 11. | The holding of a hearing (other than a hearing solely for giving directions or making an interlocutory order)- (a) for each period of half a day or less; (b) for each period of more than half a day and up to a whole day. | 414
828 | 329
657 |
| 12. | Inspection of a location, a church or other building or anything else (except where the inspection takes place on the same occasion as a hearing) (per hour). | 165 | 131 |
| 13. | Preparation of written judgment or form of order (per hour). | 165 | |
| 14. | Application for assessment of costs by the registrar. | | 320 |
| 15. | Lodging an appeal to the chancellor against an assessment of costs by the registrar. | 276 | |
| 16. | Application to set aside or amend a faculty, judgment, order or decree. | 202 | 70 |
| 17. | Application to vary a lease or any term of a lease under section 68(7) of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011. | 805 | 188 |
| 18. | Preparatory or ancillary work, including sending correspondence (per hour). | | 183 |
(4) In the case of a matter which comes within item 18, a fee is payable only in exceptional circumstances and if the chancellor so directs.
(5) In the case of a matter for which no fee is specified in Table 1, a fee is payable to the registrar of the amount for the time being prescribed under section 92 of the Courts Act 2003 in the case of the equivalent matter in the High Court.
(6) Where the Vicar-General's court of the Province of Canterbury exercises the faculty jurisdiction of the consistory court by virtue of section 43(3) of the 2018 Measure— (a) a reference in this article to the chancellor is to be read as a reference to the Vicar-General, and (b) a reference in this article to the registrar is to be read as a reference to the registrar of the province of Canterbury acting as registrar of the Vicar-General's court.
Article 5 lists the prescribed fees payable to chancellors and registrars for consistory court proceedings, including faculty petitions, injunctions, hearings, site inspections, and preparation of judgments.
Item 18 ancillary work fees require exceptional circumstances and a specific direction from the chancellor.
For unlisted matters, the rate matches that set for equivalent High Court business, and provisions adapt to the Vicar-General's court when exercising provincial faculty jurisdiction.
6.—(1) This article applies in relation to proceedings on an appeal from a consistory court and where a provincial court gives any directions for the further conduct of proceedings which are pending in a consistory court.
(2) In the case of each matter specified in the first column of Table 2, the fee specified in the second or third column is payable to the judge or the registrar (as the case may be).
Table 2
| | | Judge £ | Registrar £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Application to the chancellor for a certificate under section 18(4) of the 2018 Measure and (if needed) for leave to appeal. | 162 | 52 |
| 2. | Application to the Dean of the Arches and Auditor for leave to appeal. | 308 | 167 |
| 3. | The holding of a hearing by the chancellor or the Dean of the Arches and Auditor on an application for leave to appeal. | 556 | 419 |
| 4. | Lodging notice of appeal with the Arches Court of Canterbury, the Chancery Court of York or the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved. | | 167 |
| 5. | Application for security for costs (otherwise than at a hearing in respect of which a fee is payable under item 6) - (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 445
227 | 337
167 |
| 6. | The giving of directions or the making of an interlocutory order- (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 445
223 | 337
164 |
| 7. | The holding of a hearing (other than a hearing solely for giving directions or making an interlocutory order)- (a) for each period of half a day or less; (b) for each period of more than half a day and up to a whole day. | 556
1115 | 419
835 |
| 8. | Preparation of written judgment or form of order (per hour). | 227 | |
| 9. | Application for assessment of costs by the registrar. | | 337 |
| 10. | Preparatory or ancillary work, including sending correspondence (per hour). | | 329 |
(3) In the case of the Arches Court of Canterbury or the Chancery Court of York— (a) a fee under item 6 is payable to each member of the Court who joins in the giving of the directions or the making of the order concerned; (b) a fee under item 7 is payable to each member of the Court involved in the hearing; (c) a fee under item 8 is payable to each member of the Court who prepares a separate written judgment or is principally responsible for drafting the form of order.
(4) In the case of the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved, no fee is payable under items 6 to 8 to members of the Court.
(5) In the case of a matter which comes within item 8 or 10, the judge or the registrar (as the case may be) must certify the number of hours spent.
(6) In this article, "judge" means the person presiding over the court concerned.
Article 6 sets fee scales for appeals from consistory courts and provincial court interventions, directing payments to judges and registrars.
It details individual fees for appellate members of the Arches Court of Canterbury and Chancery Court of York, while exempting members of the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved from specified hearing and judgment drafting fees.
Judges and registrars must certify the exact hours expended when claiming hourly preparation and ancillary rates.
7.—(1) This article applies in relation to proceedings on a review under section 11 or 14 of the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011 ("the 2011 Measure") by a Commission of Review constituted under section 11 of that Measure.
(2) In the case of each matter specified in the first column of Table 3, the fee specified in the second or third column is payable to the judge or the registrar (as the case may be).
Table 3
| | | Judge £ | Registrar £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | The making of a request under section 11(1) or (2) or 14(1) of the 2011 Measure. | | 167 |
| 2. | The giving of directions or the making of an interlocutory order- (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 445
227 | 337
164 |
| 3. | The holding of a hearing (other than a hearing solely for giving directions or making an interlocutory order)- (a) for each period of half a day or less; (b) for each period of more than half a day and up to a whole day. | 556
1116 | 418
835 |
| 4. | Inspection of a location, a cathedral or other building or anything else (except where the inspection takes place on the same occasion as a hearing) (per hour). | 227 | 167 |
| 5. | Preparation of written judgment or form of order (per hour). | 227 | |
| 6. | Preparatory or ancillary work, including sending correspondence (per hour). | | 329 |
Article 7 prescribes fees payable to judges and registrars during review proceedings conducted under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011.
Fees cover procedural requests, directions hearings, substantive review hearings, site inspections, and drafting judgments.
Hourly rates apply to inspections, judgment preparation, and administrative correspondence.
8.—(1) This article applies in relation to proceedings before the Vicar-General's court of either province under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011 ("the 2011 Measure").
(2) In the case of each matter specified in the first column of Table 4, the fee specified in the second or third column is payable to the Vicar-General or the registrar (as the case may be).
Table 4
| | | Vicar-General £ | Registrar £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Institution of proceedings for an injunction or restoration order under section 18 of the 2011 Measure. | 62 | 183 |
| 2. | The giving of directions or the making of an interlocutory order- (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 332
165 | 262
153 |
| 3. | The holding of a hearing (other than a hearing solely for giving directions or making an interlocutory order)- (a) for each period of half a day or less; (b) for each period of more than half a day and up to a whole day. | 415
829 | 329
658 |
| 4. | Inspection of a location, a cathedral or other building or anything else (except where the inspection takes place on the same occasion as a hearing) (per hour). | 165 | 153 |
| 5. | Preparation of written judgment or form of order (per hour). | 165 | |
| 6. | Application for assessment of costs by the registrar. | | 262 |
| 7. | Preparatory or ancillary work, including sending correspondence (per hour). | | 329 |
Article 8 specifies the fees payable to the Vicar-General and registrar for proceedings under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011 in either province.
The schedule establishes fees for commencing injunction or restoration actions, conducting hearings, issuing interlocutory orders, carrying out inspections, and assessing costs.
Hourly rates apply for building inspections, judgment writing, and ancillary administrative tasks.
9.—(1) This article applies in relation to proceedings before the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved under section 10(1)(a) of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963 (offences against the laws ecclesiastical involving matter of doctrine, ritual or ceremonial).
(2) In the case of each matter specified in the first column of Table 5, the fee specified in the second column is payable to the registrar.
Table 5
| | | Registrar £ |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | The giving of directions or the making of an interlocutory order- (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 337
167 |
| 2. | The holding of a hearing (other than a hearing solely for giving directions or making an interlocutory order)- (a) for each period of half a day or less; (b) for each period of more than half a day and up to a whole day. | 334
167 |
| 3. | Inspection of a location, building or anything else (except where the inspection takes place on the same occasion as a hearing) (per hour). | 167 |
| 4. | Preparation of form of order (per hour). | 167 |
| 5. | Preparatory or ancillary work, including sending correspondence (per hour). | 329 |
(3) A fee under this article is payable by the Archbishops' Council under section 62 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963.
(4) In the case of a matter which comes within item 3, 4 or 5, the registrar must certify the number of hours spent.
Article 9 governs registrar fees in proceedings before the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved for offences concerning doctrine, ritual, or ceremonial.
The Archbishops' Council must discharge these fees under section 62 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963.
The registrar must certify the hours expended for inspections, order preparation, and ancillary work.
10.—(1) This article applies in relation to proceedings on a review by a Commission of Review under section 11 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963 ("the 1963 Measure") or section 19 of the 2018 Measure (review of a finding of the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved) where the provincial registrar is appointed as registrar of the Commission of Review.
(2) In the case of each matter specified in the first column of Table 6, the fee specified in the second column is payable to the registrar.
Table 6
| | | Registrar £ |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | The giving of directions or the making of an interlocutory order- (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 336
167 |
| 2. | The holding of a hearing (other than a hearing solely for giving directions or making an interlocutory order)- (a) for each period of half a day or less; (b) for each period of more than half a day and up to a whole day. | 419
835 |
| 3. | Preparation of form of order (per hour). | 167 |
| 4. | Preparatory or ancillary work, including sending correspondence (per hour). | 329 |
(3) A fee under this article is payable— (a) in proceedings on a case of the kind referred to in section 11(2)(a) of the 1963 Measure, by the Archbishops' Council under section 62 of that Measure; (b) in proceedings under section 19 of the 2018 Measure, by the person whom the Commission of Review orders to pay the fee.
(4) In the case of a matter which comes within item 3 or 4, the registrar must certify the number of hours spent.
Article 10 sets registrar fees for Commissions of Review reviewing findings of the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved.
Fees are payable by the Archbishops' Council in doctrinal cases under the 1963 Measure, or by the party ordered to pay by the Commission in cases under the 2018 Measure.
The registrar must certify the hours worked on orders and preparatory communications.
11.—(1) This article applies in relation to proceedings instituted under section 10 of the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003.
(2) In the case of each matter specified in the first column of Table 7, the fee specified in the second or third column is payable to the judge or the registrar (as the case may be).
Table 7
| | | Judge £ | Registrar £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | The giving of directions or the making of an interlocutory order- (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 332
165 | 262
131 |
| 2. | The holding of a hearing (other than a hearing solely for giving directions or making an interlocutory order)- (a) for each period of half a day or less; (b) for each period of more than half a day and up to a whole day. | 412
829 | 329
658 |
| 3. | Inspection of a location, building or anything else (except where the inspection takes place on the same occasion as a hearing) (per hour). | 165 | 131 |
| 4. | Preparation of written judgment or form of order (per hour). | 165 | |
| 5. | Application for assessment of costs by the registrar. | | 131 |
| 6. | Preparatory or ancillary work, including sending correspondence (per hour). | | 329 |
(3) A fee under this article is, by virtue of section 35 of the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003, payable by the Archbishops' Council under section 62 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963.
(4) In the case of a matter which comes within item 3, 4 or 6, the judge or the registrar (as the case may be) must certify the number of hours spent.
(5) In this article, "judge" means the person presiding over the tribunal or court concerned.
Article 11 regulates payments to presiding judges and registrars in formal disciplinary proceedings under section 10 of the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003.
The Archbishops' Council funds these fees pursuant to section 62 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963.
Participating judges and registrars must submit hourly certifications for inspections, judgment drafting, and preparatory legal tasks.
12.—(1) This article applies in relation to proceedings under section 20 of the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 (right of appeal).
(2) In the case of each matter specified in the first column of Table 8, the fee specified in the second or third column is payable to the Dean of the Arches and Auditor or the registrar (as the case may be).
Table 8
| | | Dean of the Arches and Auditor £ | Registrar £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Application for leave to appeal under section 20(1A) of the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003. | 308 | 167 |
| 2. | The giving of directions or the making of an interlocutory order- (a) at a hearing; (b) without a hearing. | 445
227 | 337
167 |
| 3. | The holding of a hearing (other than a hearing solely for giving directions or making an interlocutory order)- (a) for each period of half a day or less; (b) for each period of more than half a day and up to a whole day. | 556
1116 | 418
835 |
| 4. | Preparation of written judgment or form of order (per hour). | 227 | |
| 5. | Application for assessment of costs by the registrar. | | 365 |
| 6. | Preparatory or ancillary work, including sending correspondence (per hour). | | 329 |
(3) A fee under this article is payable by the Archbishops' Council under section 62 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963.
(4) In the case of a matter which comes within item 4 or 6, the Dean of the Arches and Auditor or the registrar (as the case may be) must certify the number of hours spent.
Article 12 sets fees for appellate proceedings under section 20 of the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 payable to the Dean of the Arches and Auditor and the registrar.
The Archbishops' Council pays these fees directly out of central church funds.
Time spent preparing appellate judgments or managing ancillary case correspondence must be formally certified.
13.—(1) This article applies in the case of an appointment of a person by the President of Tribunals under section 4(4) of the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 ("the 2003 Measure") (appointment of person as chair of disciplinary tribunals to act when President unable or unwilling to act).
(2) In the case of each of the following matters, the fee of £240 is payable to the person appointed— (a) deciding whether to give permission under section 9 of the 2003 Measure (institution of proceedings out of time); (b) determining an application under section 31(3A) of the 2003 Measure (criminal or matrimonial matters: extension of two-year period for imposition of penalty); (c) determining a request under section 38(2) or (3) of the 2003 Measure (review of inclusion in Archbishops' list); (d) determining an application under rule 56 of the Clergy Discipline Rules 2005 (substitution of party); (e) determining an application under rule 101B of those Rules (word or page limits); (f) deciding whether to extend a time limit under rule 102 of those Rules (time limits); (g) determining a request under paragraph 2(5) of Canon C 30 (request to review direction that priest or deacon undergo safeguarding risk assessment); (h) doing anything else in place of the President of Tribunals for the purposes of the appointment which does not come within the preceding provisions of this paragraph or within paragraph (3).
(3) In the case of each of the following matters, the fee of £463 is payable to the person appointed— (a) conducting a review under section 11(4) of the 2003 Measure (review of dismissal); (b) considering a referral under section 13 of the 2003 Measure (decision to take no further action); (c) making a decision under section 17 of the 2003 Measure (whether respondent has case to answer); (d) determining an appeal against suspension under section 36, 36A, 37 or 37A of the 2003 Measure; (e) making a determination under rule 14A of the Clergy Discipline Rules 2005 (sexual misconduct towards vulnerable adult).
(4) A fee under this article is, by virtue of section 35 of the 2003 Measure, payable by the Archbishops' Council under section 62 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963.
Article 13 determines fixed fees for individuals appointed by the President of Tribunals to act in the President's place under clergy discipline procedures.
It sets a fee of £240 for interlocutory matters such as extending time limits, reviewing safeguarding assessment orders, or party substitutions, and £463 for substantive determinations such as case-to-answer decisions and suspension appeals.
The Archbishops' Council is responsible for paying these fees.
14.—(1) This article applies in the case of a summary election appeal brought under— (a) rules made under paragraphs 1(a) and (b), 6 and 9 of Canon H 2 of the Church of England (clergy), (b) rules made under paragraphs 1(c) and 2(b) of Canon H 3 of the Church of England (suffragan bishops), (c) rules made under rule 59 of the Church Representation Rules (laity).
(2) For each hour spent by the judge determining the appeal, a fee equivalent to that payable per hour under item 4 of Table 8 in article 12 (Clergy Discipline Measure 2003: preparing judgement on appeal) is payable to the judge.
(3) A fee under this article is payable in accordance with the provision as to expenses contained in the applicable rules referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c).
(4) The judge determining the appeal must certify the number of hours spent determining it.
Article 14 establishes the hourly remuneration rate for judges hearing summary election appeals relating to General Synod elections for clergy, suffragan bishops, or laity.
The rate matches the hourly judgment preparation fee in clergy discipline appeals (£227 per hour).
The judge must certify the number of hours worked, with expenses settled according to the respective election rules.
15.—(1) In the case of each matter specified in the first column of Table 9, the fee specified in the second column is payable to the person concerned.
Table 9
| | | £ | |---|---|---| | 1. | Application to the provincial registrar for permission under the Overseas Clergy (Ministry and Ordination) Measure 1967. | 164 | | 2. | Issue by the provincial registrar of the Archbishop's licence for service chaplains. | 76 | | 3. | Annual fee for the Vicar-General of the Province of Canterbury. | 3458 | | 4. | Annual fee for the Vicar-General of the Province of York. | 2806 | | 5. | Annual fee for the President of Tribunals. | 9924 | | 6. | Annual fee for the Deputy President of Tribunals. | 9924 |
(2) In the case of a matter which comes within items 1 to 4, a fee under this article is payable by the Archbishop; but see section 86(6) of the 2018 Measure (which requires the Church Commissioners to reimburse the Archbishop).
(3) In the case of a matter which comes within item 5 or 6, a fee under this article is, by virtue of section 35 of the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003, payable by the Archbishops' Council under section 62 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963.
Article 15 sets fees for overseas clergy permissions and service chaplain licences, alongside annual retainers for senior ecclesiastical legal officers.
The Vicar-General of Canterbury receives an annual fee of £3,458, the Vicar-General of York receives £2,806, and both the President and Deputy President of Tribunals receive £9,924.
The Archbishops pay licensing and provincial fees subject to Church Commissioners reimbursement, while the Archbishops' Council pays tribunal retainers.
16.—(1) A person who would be entitled to an exemption from or reduction in, or a remission or part remission of, a fee prescribed by the Order for the time being in force under section 92 of the Courts Act 2003 ("the Civil Proceedings Fees Order") is entitled to an equivalent exemption from or reduction in, or remission or part remission of, a fee provided for by this Order; and the Civil Proceedings Fees Order applies accordingly for the purposes of this Order.
(2) Where the Civil Proceedings Fees Order includes provision requiring an application to be made for an exemption from, reduction in or remission of a fee, that provision is to be read for the purposes of this Order as requiring the application to be made to the registrar.
(3) Where the Civil Proceedings Fees Order includes provision enabling a specified person to exercise a discretion in relation to an exemption from, reduction in or remission of a fee, that provision is to be read for the purposes of this Order as enabling the registrar to exercise the discretion.
(4) The determination of an application made to the registrar under paragraph (2), or any work done under paragraph (3), is to be treated for the purposes of this Order as work which is ancillary to the proceedings in which the application is made or work is done; and the fee provided for by this Order for ancillary work in proceedings of that kind is payable to the registrar.
(5) Where a person is entitled to an exemption from or reduction in, or remission or part remission of, a fee provided for by this Order, the diocesan board of finance for the diocese concerned must pay the amount which would be payable were it not for the exemption, reduction or remission.
(6) The reasonable costs of the registrar in the determination of an application under paragraph (2) are payable by the diocesan board of finance.
(7) In this article, "diocesan board of finance", in relation to a diocese, means the board of that name constituted under the Diocesan Boards of Finance Measure 1925
Article 16 imports the fee remission and reduction criteria from secular court rules under the Civil Proceedings Fees Order into ecclesiastical proceedings.
Litigants submit remission applications to the registrar, who exercises statutory discretion and claims an ancillary work fee for processing them.
When an individual qualifies for fee remission or reduction, the relevant diocesan board of finance must pay the shortfall and cover the registrar's reasonable assessment costs.
- A fee provided for by this Order (other than the fee provided for under rule 3) is to be increased by a sum for reasonable expenses of travel, subsistence, accommodation and the holding of court hearings.
Article 17 directs that all fees authorized by the Order, excluding diocesan faculty fees under article 3, must be increased to cover reasonable disbursements.
These disbursements include expenses incurred for travel, subsistence, overnight accommodation, and venue arrangements necessary for holding hearings.
- Where Value Added Tax is chargeable in respect of the provision of a service for which a fee is provided for by this Order, the amount of the Value Added Tax chargeable is payable in addition to that fee.
Article 18 states that statutory fees prescribed by this Order are net of Value Added Tax.
Whenever a taxable legal service attracts Value Added Tax, the tax amount must be paid in addition to the specified fee.
- The Ecclesiastical Judges, Legal Officers and Others (Fees) Order 2025 is revoked.
Article 19 repeals the previous annual fees order, the Ecclesiastical Judges, Legal Officers and Others (Fees) Order 2025.
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Read MoreThe Spatial Development Strategy (Examination Procedure) Rules 2026
Established formal procedures and notice requirements for the independent examination of draft spatial development strategies in England.
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