Community Interest Companies: the facts and pressing questions
Deanery Synod members in Kerrier, west Cornwall, have been given a deadline of 3 August 2023 to approve a controversial Community Interest Company (CIC) to employ new workers in the proposed On The Way plan – which will result in one huge benefice uniting 23 scattered churches. The Kerrier On The Way plan , approved by Kerrier Deanery Synod by just one vote in 2021, has ever since caused widespread division and anxiety. This confusion continues. Deanery synod members say the need for a CIC was not mentioned when the plan was drawn up and some consider they are being pressured by the Diocese into forming a CIC so that the plan can go forward. Save The Parish Cornwall has drawn up a Fact Sheet outlining the significant legal and administrative responsibilities involved. It questions why the Diocese is unwilling to access the funds directly. Click here to read. The Diocese insists, however, that a Community Interest Company (CIC) is the only way of accessing funds from the Church Com