C of E vicars call for ’urgent and decisive action’ on increasing their pensions

An archbishops’ council member said clergy were ‘realising they are going to be in penury’ in retirement. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Church of England vicars are demanding an increase in pensions amid claims that many face an impoverished old age, with some forced to rely on food banks or move in with adult children.

Almost 2,000 C of E clergy have joined an action group on Facebook in the past few weeks and 700 signed a letter to the Church Times calling for “urgent and decisive action”.