AN MP today launched a campaign to get better pay and pensions and retirement provision for Church of England clergy.

Chorley MP Lyndsey Hoyle had been approached by two vicars in the Blackburn diocese worried about increased workload and low wages. They also fear that pension provision is inadequate and there is no proper provision to help them buy a home when they retire from a lifetime in Church-owned vicarages.

Mr Hoyle, a practising member of the C of E, belongs to the Manufacturing, Science and Finance Union (MSF) to which many Anglican clergy also belong.

He said: "With the current state of Church finances, the clergy are being asked to do more as parishes merge for less money. They do not earn enough for what is a difficult and vital job. In the modern society it is even harder and more important than it was before.

"Too many clergy live in poverty and without proper provision for retirement. They need a proper wage for the job they do. Pensions are often inadequate, especially as many come to the job later in life,and there is no proper provision for them to buy houses after living in what are in effect "tied cottages".

Mr Hoyle has already tackled Church Comissioner Stuart Bell on the issue, telling him: "You are doubtless well aware of the poverty that affects the clergy throughout this country. A modern society ought to ensure that we pay the clergy, who should not be so dependent on the Church. Can we look forward to their being paid proper salaries with regular increases?"

Middlesbrough MP Mr Bell replied: "About one third of clergy said they had debts excluding mortgages, car loans or interest-free credit arrangements.

"Very few clergy - about five per cent - have applied for, or were intending to apply for, Working Families Tax Credit. Fewer than four per cent received and other state benefits, excluding child allowance. However, I of course take on your point."

Mr Hoyle said: "I've been raising these issues in the Commons for a while. I think that, from Mr Bell's answer, we are getting somewhere. The Church cannot go on saying the clergy are employed by God and ignoring the MSF."