Cathedrals Measure 1999

Cathedrals Measure 1999
Short title	Cathedrals Measure 1999
Long title	A Measure passed by the General Synod of the Church of England to make new provision with respect to cathedrals.
Jurisdiction	England
Territorial extent	England
Royal assent	11 November 1999
Commencement	1 March 2000
Amendments by	Cathedrals Measure 2021
Related legislation	Cathedrals Measure 1963, Care of Cathedrals Measure 1990
Status	Amended

Cathedrals Measure 1999 is a significant piece of ecclesiastical law governing the administration of Church of England cathedrals. Enacted by the General Synod of the Church of England and receiving Royal Assent in November 1999, it replaced the earlier Cathedrals Measure 1963. The Measure fundamentally reformed the governance, financial management, and oversight of England's Anglican cathedrals, aiming to modernize their operations while preserving their unique spiritual and heritage roles.

Background and context

The need for reform arose from perceived shortcomings in the Cathedrals Measure 1963, which was seen as outdated in managing complex modern institutions. Key reviews, including the 1994 report "*Heritage and Renewal*" by the Archbishops' Commission on Cathedrals, highlighted issues with governance clarity, financial accountability, and the integration of cathedrals within the wider diocese. This period also saw increased public and governmental scrutiny following controversies at institutions like Lincoln Cathedral and financial difficulties at others, prompting calls for greater transparency akin to standards expected of major charities and the National Trust.

Main provisions

The Measure established a new statutory framework for each cathedral, centered on three core bodies. It created the Cathedral Chapter as the executive body responsible for day-to-day management, led by the dean. A new College of Canons was formed, comprising the chapter and other representatives, to act as the formal electoral body for the dean and to hold the chapter to account. Crucially, it instituted a Cathedral Council for each cathedral, a largely lay body designed to represent the wider community and diocese, with duties to review the chapter's plans and annual report. The Measure also formally recognized the role of the Cathedral Architect and Cathedral Surveyor.

Governance and administration

The Measure delineated clear lines of authority and responsibility. The Chapter is appointed by the bishop following advice and must include at least two lay members. The Cathedral Council, chaired by an independent person, includes representatives from the diocesan synod, the local community, and cathedral constituencies like the Friends of the Cathedral association. The bishop retains a visitorial role and certain reserved powers, while the Archbishops' Council and the Church Commissioners gained enhanced oversight roles. Specific provisions govern the appointment and removal of the dean, canons, and other senior staff.

Financial arrangements

Financial management was a central focus of the reform. Each cathedral chapter was mandated to prepare an annual budget and report, which must be approved by the Cathedral Council and submitted to the Church Commissioners. The Measure required cathedrals to maintain sound internal financial controls and to have their accounts audited in accordance with standards applicable to major charities. It also provided a legal framework for cathedral endowments and property, distinguishing between assets held for general purposes and those held on specific trusts, with the Charity Commission for England and Wales exercising concurrent jurisdiction in some areas.

Amendments and related legislation

The 1999 Measure has been amended by subsequent legislation. The most significant update is the Cathedrals Measure 2021, which received Royal Assent in 2022 and introduces further reforms to governance and safeguarding. Other related legislation includes the Care of Cathedrals Measure 1990 (and its 2011 successor) which regulates alterations to cathedral fabric, the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018, and the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 which touches on some appointment processes. It also operates alongside the general Charities Act 2011.

Implementation and impact

Implementation from 1 March 2000 required all 42 Anglican cathedrals in England to adopt new constitutions and statutes approved by the General Synod. The reforms led to more professionalized administration and greater involvement of laity in cathedral governance. The establishment of Cathedral Councils improved links with local communities and diocesan structures. However, some critics argued the system created unnecessary bureaucracy. The Measure's framework was tested by events such as the financial crisis at Peterborough Cathedral in the 2000s and has since been foundational during major projects like the restoration of York Minster and the development of visitor facilities at Canterbury Cathedral.

Category:Church of England measures Category:English ecclesiastical law Category:1999 in law