To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what forms of income other than the stipend are available to clergymen; and what cost of living adjustments are made annually. (152884)

Apart from the stipend, the clergy remuneration package also includes the provision of housing (including the payment of council tax, water charges, maintenance, external decoration) and a non-contributory Church pension.

Clergy are also eligible for removal grants and subsidised insurance in high risk areas.

The Central Stipends Authority recommends stipend levels to dioceses and the Church Commissioners each year after extensive consultation taking into account forecast movements in RPI and AEI. For 2008-09 it has recommended a general increase of 3 per cent.