Glebe land: helping to pay for today’s church

The issue of the Church’s glebe land has hit the headlines in recent months, with the case of the former allotments at Skimmingdish Lane, Launton, near Bicester (pictured below). Roger Harwood, head of glebe and buildings, explains why glebe land is still so important today for the Diocese.

What is glebe land?
Historically Glebe, whether land or other property, has been used to create income to meet the financial needs of the clergy. Originally, each member of the clergy benefited directly from the Glebe attributed to their own benefice. However, the inequality of the benefit to each member of the clergy varied widely, as it depended upon the extent of the property within their benefice.

On 1 April 1978, the Endowment and Glebe Measure became operational which had the effect of transferring all glebe land to the Diocesan Board of Finance, giving them the responsibility of managing these assets to create income to pay clergy stipends. This meant that all beneficed clergy received the same income.

How much glebe land is there in the diocese?
There are 6250 acres of glebe land in the Diocese, mostly let on Farm Business Tenancies or an Agricultural Holding Agreement. There are four farms, four commercial premises and four dwellings. The total value at the end of 2004 was £16.5 million.

Who looks after our glebe land?
The glebe is managed by three glebe agents, each covering 9 or 10 deaneries. They currently report to the Glebe Committee chaired by Sir Brian Smith and comprising of a further 12 members. The day to day administration is undertaken by the Glebe and Buildings’ Department at Diocesan Church House.

How important is it for the diocese?
Income from glebe land and property in 2004 amounted to £514,000 and in addition income from investments amounted to £1,056,000. This income represents 9% of the total Diocesan income. This investment portfolio has been built up over the years from capital receipts from glebe sales and was valued at £20.9 million at 31 December 2004.

Why is some of it sold off?
The Glebe Committee’s role is that of trustee under Charity Law and therefore their principal purpose is to ensure that the assets are used to maximise income. Land use is constantly monitored and wherever possible land values are enhanced by seeking planning permission for development. Where this is unlikely, land is sold off as and when vacant possession is obtained.