The Diocese of York is one of the largest CofE dioceses by area, covering East and North Yorkshire with around 470 parishes. The Archbishop of York holds the second seat after Canterbury. The diocesan Carbon Reduction Grants support parish solar, with Humber Freeport Enhanced Capital Allowances available for projects within designated zones.
The Diocese of York at a glance
- Bishop
- Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
- Coverage
- East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire (most), parts of North-East Lincolnshire
- Parishes
- ~470 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- Canon Peter Collier KC
- Capital programme
- Diocese of York Carbon Reduction Grants
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £25,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- York Minster (largest medieval cathedral in northern Europe)
- Hull Minster (Holy Trinity, largest medieval parish church in England by floor area)
- Beverley Minster
- Selby Abbey
- St Mary Lowgate Hull
Funding stack for York parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of York combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Diocese of York Carbon Reduction Grants | Up to £25,000 | 40-60% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| 0% VAT on the installation (energy-saving materials relief) | Zero-rated to 31 Mar 2027 | 0% VAT |
| Humber Freeport Enhanced Capital Allowances | Tax relief | 5-10% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of York
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of York, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, Canon Peter Collier KC, on the advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). For a well-prepared solar application, the typical timescale from PCC resolution to faculty grant is 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings, extending to 18-26 weeks for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.
We have prepared faculty applications across the Diocese of York and know the DAC office, diocesan architect, and Net Zero Officer personally. See our 2026 PCC guide to faculty jurisdiction for the full process, or our faculty application service page for our delivery approach.
Cities and towns covered in the Diocese of York
We deliver across the East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire (most), parts of North-East Lincolnshire footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of York parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to York, PCC-ready report inside 7 working days
- On-site survey — structural and electrical engineers; engagement with diocesan architect
- Faculty application — Statement of Significance, Statement of Needs, DAC consultation, representation at chancery
- Grant applications — Diocese of York Carbon Reduction Grants, Buildings for Mission, Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme
- Install and commission — typically 1-3 weeks on site, with full PCC training and monitoring active
- Post-commissioning — Eco Church credit logged, parish magazine feature, annual carbon report
Common questions — Diocese of York parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of York have?
Approximately 470 parishes across East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire (most), parts of North-East Lincolnshire.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of York?
Canon Peter Collier KC grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of York has committed to net zero by 2030, in line with (or ahead of) the Church of England's national 2030 General Synod commitment.
What grant funding is available for York parish solar?
The principal route is the Diocese of York Carbon Reduction Grants, with awards up to £25,000. This combines with national Buildings for Mission grants, the Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme, and charitable trust funding to typically cover 50-100% of capex.
How long does a faculty application take in the Diocese of York?
For a well-prepared solar faculty application, 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings; longer for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.
Related dioceses and resources
RELATED DIOCESES