Home > Resources > Churches Legal Advisory Service (CLAS)

Churches Legal Advisory Service (CLAS)

CLAS Circular 2022 - 07

Queen’s Speech, May 2022 - Proposed legislation of possible interest to CLAS members

CLAS Circular 2022 - 06

Ethical investment and the powers and duties of charity trustees
Reform of charity law in Ireland
Emergency Services: Ministers of Religion
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022
HM Passport Office guidebook for the clergy
The Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2022
Historic England guidance on terne-coated steel
Guidance on the design and delivery of mandatory Religion, Values and Ethics

CLAS Circular 2022 - 05

Administering the last rites at crime scenes: police guidance
Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Advice for workplaces
Queen’s Speech 2022
Registering a venue for civil marriage and civil partnership

CLAS Circular 2022 - 04

Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for the charity sector: online trustees’ meetings
Future of Heating In Historic Buildings conference
Less than one week to go for Making Tax Digital for VAT

CLAS Circular 2022 - 03

Charities Act 2022 receives Royal Assent
Charity Commission statement on Ukraine crisis and its implications for charities
Government names preferred candidate for Charity Commission Chair
Guidance on reporting safeguarding concerns in a charity
End of COVID-19 rules: what employers need to know
Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2022
Outdoor civil weddings and civil partnerships made permanent
The right to choose: Government guidance on forced marriage
Competition to appoint new Members to the Historic Buildings Council and the Historic Monuments Council
Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2022
Inclusive Britain: Government response to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities
Private Parking code of practice
Right to rent immigration checks: landlords' code of practice
Spring Statement 2022
Consultation on the splitting of non-domestic properties for valuation purposes

CLAS Circular 2022 - 02

Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for the charity sector
’No-fault’ divorce in England and Wales
'Levelling Up Our Communities: Proposals for a New Social Covenant’: Government response
Prime Minister appoints Deputy Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief
Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
Consultation on Hate Crime Legislation in Northern Ireland
Independent Review of Charity Regulation
Levelling Up White Paper
Immigration: new digital identity checking for landlords and employers
E-signatures best practice
Cultural Recovery Fund 3 opens to new entrants

CLAS Circular 2022 - 01

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship in England
COVID-19: guidance on enabling safe and effective volunteering
Outdoor weddings and civil partnerships in England & Wales
Protect Duty: the Government’s response
Human rights consultation
Leasehold and commonhold reform in England & Wales
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: commencement
Guidance on Religion, Values and Ethics syllabus

CLAS Circular 2021 - 25

England moves to COVID Plan B
Coronavirus (COVID-19): “Life events”
Martin Thomas is confirmed as the new Charity Commission Chair
Registration of church charities in England & Wales
Church of England Parochial Fees 2022
National Data Strategy Mission 1 Policy Framework: Unlocking the value of data across the economy
Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill 2021-22
Scottish Budget 2022-23
Curriculum for Wales: Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)
Planning legislation and policy for second homes and short-term holiday lets

CLAS Circular 2021 - 24

Charity Commission: appointing interim managers
Charity Commission: safeguarding for charities and trustees
Increase in Living Wage rates
Crime in places of worship
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Bill: Second Reading
Emergency services and crime scenes: ministers of religion
Northern Ireland: consultation on changes to marriage law
Warning from CLAS member regarding fraudulent letter
COVID-19: commercial landlords and tenants
Improving Energy Performance Certificates: action plan - progress report
Civil Partnership (Scotland)
Licensing short-term lets
Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land
Towards a circular economy
Tobacco control strategy for Wales and delivery plan

CLAS Circular 2021 - 23

Autumn Budget
Charity Commission: updated COVID-19 guidance
Charity Commission: COVID-19 Survey 2021
Protective security provision
Banning conversion therapy
Church of England net-zero carbon consultation

CLAS Circular 2021 - 22

Charity Commission: ‘Take action on fraud’
Home Office: updated immigration rule guidance for Minister of Religion and Religious Worker
DCMS: exporting or importing objects of cultural interest
Food safety and allergen labelling
Heat and Buildings Strategy
Phasing out the installation of fossil fuel heating systems in businesses and public buildings off the gas grid
Phasing out the installation of fossil fuel heating in homes off the gas grid
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse: child protection in religious organisations and settings

CLAS Circular 2021 - 21

Minister for Civil Society appointed
Job Retention Scheme: final claims
Making flexible working the default
Tied accommodation
Understanding the possession action process: guidance for landlords and tenants
Becoming a fair work nation
Consultation on reforming the non-domestic rates system
Grants for tenants in rent arrears
Heat in Buildings Strategy
Planning and historic environment law to be simplified

CLAS Circular 2021 - 20

Charity Fraud Awareness Week 2021
NI Private Tenancies Bill
Call for evidence - Labelling for animal welfare
DCMS: Data – a new direction
Historic England guidance on metal theft
Ministerial reshuffle (Sept 2021)
Coronavirus Act 2020: Residential Tenancies and Notices
Retrofit internal wall insulation: best practice
Places of Worship Forum
COVID-19 Regulations update

CLAS Circular 2021 - 19

European ID Cards: changes at the UK Border from 1 October
Remote right-to-work checks
UK points-based immigration system: sponsorship roadmap
COVID-19 guidance and documentation
Faith New Deal Pilot Fund
Landlords rates discount deadline approaching
Changes to charity banking with HSBC
Where next for data protection?
Driving outside the UK on or after 28 September 2021
IICSA report finds child sexual abuse in most major UK religions
Scottish Government: Programme for Government 2021-2022
Chancellor’s statement on health and social care

CLAS Circular 2021 - 18

Charity Commission: responsible investment guidance
EU Settlement Scheme
Government data on mass events and COVID-19
Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill 2021-22
Scottish Government: consultation on COVID-19 inquiry
Business rates revaluation 2023: the central rating list
Draft Valuation for Rating (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021

CLAS Circular 2021 - 17

Guidance on the loosening of restrictions
Charity Commission: Managing faith charities as trustees guidance
E-signatures on accounts
DCMS: a governing body for digital identities
Government response to consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship
Jewish cemetery preservation
Marriage venues
Relationship between the church and state in the UK
CCNI: Charities SORP
HSE: COVID and ventilation
National Disability Strategy
Protect Duty
Commons Library: The end of "no fault" section 21 evictions
Historic England: Building Works and Bats
Ministerial Statement: Building Beautiful Places
Safer public places: managing public outdoor settings
Building standards (fire safety) - a consultation on external wall systems
Domestic energy performance certificates reform
Proposed changes to Energy Standards and associated topics
Finance Bill 2021-22: draft legislation and tax documents
Changes to the determination of listed building consent applications
Guidance on funerals
Renting Homes (Wales) Act

CLAS Circular 2021 - 16

Government guidance on loosening of restrictions in the UK
Guidance from the Churches
Charity Commission: updated guidance on charity accounting
DCMS: Risk management template for event organisers
Weddings and civil partnerships: changes to COVID-19 restrictions in England from 19 July
Charities Bill (NI): call for evidence
Private Tenancies Bill
COVID-19: Guidance on reopening places of worship
COVID-19: Guidance on marriages, civil partnerships and related wedding ceremonies
Welsh Government legislative programme

CLAS Circular 2021 - 15

Charity Commission: COVID-19 and charity AGMs
Charities and terrorism
Charities Bill [Lords]
Home Office: Illegal working penalties codes of practice for employers 2021
European Commission adopts adequacy decision for UK data protection
Clergy Newsletter Issue 13
Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020
Guidance on weddings, civil partnerships, funerals, wakes and commemorations
Guidance on outdoor civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies in England & Wales
Bill for Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay
Northern Ireland business rates revaluation
Access to Cash consultation
COVID-19: Prime Minister announces easing of restrictions in England
Building Safety Bill
Responsible Person or Duty Holder under the Fire Safety Order
Opposite-sex civil partnerships
OSCR: George Walker appointed as Interim Chair
OSCR: Reporter, June edition
Short Term Lets: consultation on draft Licensing Order
Strengthening Scottish Charity Law
Fundamental Review of Business Rates in England: more frequent revaluations

CLAS Circular 2021 - 14

Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from July 2021: a reminder
Clergy Newsletter Issue 12
Marriage registration in England & Wales
Updated guidance on COVID-19 and places of worship in England
No-fault divorce in England & Wales
The Government’s future immigration policy
OTS to explore potential for moving the end of the tax year
Updated guidance on COVID-19 and places of worship in Wales

CLAS Circular 2021 - 13

Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from July 2021: a reminder
Marriage registration in England & Wales
Updated guidance on COVID-19 and places of worship in England
The Government’s future immigration policy
Updated guidance on COVID-19 and places of worship in Wales

CLAS Circular 2021 - 12

The Queen’s Speech
Amendment to standard 12.6.2 (free draws) of the Code of Fundraising Practice
Contested Heritage in Cathedrals and Churches
Labour Shadow Cabinet reshuffle
Building safety: planning gateway one
Restarting Fundraising Activities
Simplifying the VAT Land Exemption - call for evidence

CLAS Circular 2021 - 11

Changes to registration system in England & Wales
Formal consultation on draft Funerals Market Order
Limit on mourners at funerals in England to be removed
Independent Review of Charity Regulation
Consultation: new code of practice for external walls
Fire Safety Act 2021
Project Gigabit
Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Order 2021
COVID-19: Moving to Level 3
Gift Aid on waived refunds and loan repayments
Further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions

CLAS Circular 2021 - 10

NMW/ NLW accommodation offset rates
Marriage and Civil Partnership Regulations
Guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic Places of worship registered for marriage
Philip & Ors for Judicial Review of the closure of places of worship in Scotland
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 draft regulations
Wales to be in Alert Level 3 by 17 May

CLAS Circular 2021 - 09

Government response to Law Commission report on Technical Issues in Charity Law
National Living Wage increase
Draft Registration of Marriages Regulations 2021
Weddings and civil partnerships in England: latest guidance
COVID-19 regulations laid in Parliament
Introducing a performance-based policy framework in large commercial and industrial buildings
Improving broadband for Very Hard to Reach premises
Project Gigabit Phase One Delivery Plan
Unlimited fines for those who breach fire safety regulations
Tax Day announcements

CLAS Circular 2021 - 08

“Contested heritage”, the Charity Commission and the National Trust
Financial support for charities
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
Extending the rates holiday for a further 12 months
Church hustings
Extension of bailiff-enforced rental evictions in England
Religious Buildings: Planning
Timetable for easing restrictions
Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS)
COVID-19: places of worship and the latest Welsh Regulations

CLAS Circular 2021 - 07

Budget 2021
The Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc.) Act 2019
Protect Duty consultation

CLAS Circular 2021 - 06

COVID-19: The path out of lockdown in England
COVID-19: The path out of lockdown in Scotland
Welsh First Minister announces tweaks to lockdown rules
VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme
The Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Bill

CLAS Circular 2021 - 05

Call for Evidence - Covid-19: Government support for charities
Charity law: directors/trustees of Kids Company exonerated
European Commission expected to approve UK-EU data transfers
Commission proposes extension to EU-UK Trade Agreement
Call for comments on pre-paid funeral plans
National Lottery Grants for Heritage 2021-22
A new survey about volunteers and the heritage sector
Consultation on designing a new UK subsidy control regime
COVID-19 - Where do we go from here?
Time limit to COVID support grants
Ban on bailiff evictions extended
Business rates relief to be extended for full year
OSCR: 'virtual'`meetings of charities and SCIOs
Updates to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020
Budget 2021 and the “Tax Day”
Paying VAT deferred due to coronavirus
Proposal allowing Northern Ireland to apply special measures on VAT

CLAS Circular 2021 - 04

Charities: exception from Registration
Church Action for Tax Justice Reports
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
Employment of Tier 2 Ministers of Religion and Tier 5 Religious Workers post-Brexit
Programme for Government
Independent Human Rights Act Review
COVID-19: rent arrears and eviction
Historic Building Annex
Response to an IICSA report on the sexual abuse of children outside the UK
Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy
Supporting the wedding sector
Church caretakers and living accommodation
COVID-19: new requirement for risk assessments

CLAS Circular 2021 - 03

Charity Commission to consult on updated responsible investment guidance
Reopening of Voluntary, Community and Social Economy Sector Covid Recovery Fund
“Contested heritage” and listing statues: new proposals from MHCLG
Metal theft
Building Safety (Wales) White Paper
Clean Air (Wales) Bill

CLAS Circular 2021 - 02

COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of places of worship
Government updates COVID-19 support guidance

CLAS Circular 2021 - 01

COVID-19 updates
Charity Commission: COVID-19 guidance updated
Charity Commission: Inquiry into Christ Apostolic Church World Soul Winning and Evangelistic Ministry
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Recruiting people from outside the UK from 1 January 2021
Brexit
Brexit checker tool published
Government updates COVID-19 support guidance
New lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs
ICO publish data sharing code of practice
Using personal data in your business or other organisation
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage
Updated MHCLG guidance for landlords and property owners
Strengthening Scottish Charity Law
Government updates tax guidance
Draft Budget 2021 to 2022

CLAS Circular 2020 - 33

Christmas COVID-19 guidelines and updates
Stop Press: Northern Ireland Christmas COVID-19 guidelines
Charity Governance Code: update
Chancellor extends furlough and loan schemes
New criminal record disclosure rules take effect
Sponsoring a Minister of Religion or Religious Worker
Draft changes to the Family Procedure Rules
Independent Human Rights Act Review
Review of the Gambling Act 2005
Business evictions ban extended until March
MHCLG updated renting and letting guidance
Treasure Act 1996
New standards for short-term lets
Building Regulations Part L and F Review – Stage 2A
Welsh business rates frozen for 2021 to 2022

CLAS Circular 2020 - 32

The Winter Plan for England and the tier system
Christmas COVID-19 guidelines
Welsh Government updates COVID-19 guidance
Suggested principles for safer singing
Charities (Exception from Registration) Regulations 1996
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus
National Fund to be redistributed
Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020
Churches: Repairs and Maintenance
MHCLG Independent Faith Engagement Review: call for evidence
Spending Review 2020
Local Restriction Support Grants (England)

CLAS Circular 2020 - 31

COVID-19 Updates
Charity Commission: updated guidance on COVID-19
Law Commission: consultation on weddings law in England & Wales extended
National Heritage Memorial Fund

CLAS Circular 2020 - 30

COVID-19 UPDATES
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Remembrance Sunday 2020 in England
Charity Commission: ‘five-minute guides’ for charity trustees
Furlough scheme extended and further economic support
Immigration status of clergy
Same-sex religious marriage
Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill
COVID-19 and weddings

CLAS Circular 2020 - 29

AGMs and other meetings: latest Charity Commission guidance
Job Retention Bonus
COVID-19: marriages and civil partnerships in England
Taylor Review Pilot: evaluation
IICSA report on Anglican Churches
Early medical abortion at home
Renting Homes (Wales) Amendment Bill
Wales: Weddings and Coronavirus

CLAS Circular 2020 - 28

Latest advice on social distancing etc
Brexit and Religious Orders
Lead theft
Marriage and multi-purpose community facilities: updated guidance
Law Commission: wedding law in England & Wales
Financial support for VCSE organisations to respond to coronavirus
Chancellor announces Winter Economy Plan
Levelling up our communities: proposals for a new social covenant
McKee & Others v Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: update
Views sought on amending Building Regulations
Government response to the IICSA Westminster report
Consultation on Short Term Lets
Reform of Hate Crime
Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No. 2) Bill
VAT reverse charge
Temporary increase in the notice period for eviction to be extended

CLAS Circular 2020 - 27

Charity Commission: new version of the online register of charities
Kickstart Scheme opens for applications
Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for the safe use of places of worship, special religious services and gatherings
Law Commission consultation on reform of wedding law in England & Wales
Mothers’ details on marriage certificates
Funding available through the Culture Recovery Fund
Green Homes Grant Scheme update
Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
New law meaning renters have a 6-month notice period
Same-sex marriage: Northern Ireland
Programme for Government, 2020/21
COVID-19: places of worship in Wales

CLAS Circular 2020 - 26

Marriage: Video Conferencing
Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Culture Recovery Fund: update
Proposal to replace the Community Infrastructure Levy
Churches in Wales

CLAS Circular 2020 - 25

Furloughed employees to receive full redundancy payments
Job Retention Bonus guidance published
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Culture Recovery Fund
Society lotteries: changes to the rules from 29 July
COVID-19 restrictions
Temporary increase in the notice period for eviction

CLAS Circular 2020 - 24

Intellectual property and copyright. 2
Draft Building Safety Bill. 3
Law Commission publishes reports on enfranchisement, commonhold and right to manage. 3
Fundamental review of business rates consultation. 4
Making Tax Digital: changes. 4
Technical Consultation on the Fifth Money Laundering Directive. 5

CLAS Circular 2020 - 23

Fundraising Regulator: Safely returning to fundraising
UK points-based immigration system
New campaign to prepare UK for end of the transition period
Safe re-opening of places of worship
Further coronavirus restrictions relaxed in Wales

CLAS Circular 2020 - 22

Charity Commission: transparent and accountable governance
COVID-19 and the financial sustainability of places of worship
Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for the safe use of places of worship
Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme
Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Scotland moves to Phase 3 of lockdown route map
Temporary reduced rate of VAT for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions
Stay local to be lifted in Wales

CLAS Circular 2020 - 21

COVID-19: update
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Resumption of indoor baptisms weddings and civil partnerships
Chancellor’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ statement

CLAS Circular 2020 - 20