For minor works, generally routine works of maintenance costing less than £3,000 (exclusive of VAT), a faculty is not required. The limit for the value of these works was raised on 1 January 2011 from £750 for electrical works, and £1,500 for general maintenance, and it is intended that the higher limit will save parishes having to apply for faculties in relation to a wider range of modest maintenance projects. A detailed list of works for which a faculty is not required, together with some explanatory notes, is available at De Minimis List
An Archdeacon’s Licence may be obtained for a temporary scheme of minor re-ordering. This is normally appropriate where the parish wishes to try out alternative arrangements before progressing an application for a faculty to authorise more permanent changes. Advice on the use of Archdeacons’ Licences is set out in a paper at Use of Archdeacons’ Licences. If in doubt about whether the use of a Licence is appropriate, advice should be sought from the Registrar.
