Catholic Diocese of Bathurst

Transcription

1 Catholic Diocese of Bathurst Statutes Clergy Remuneration & Retirement Plan February 2014

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3 CLERGY REMUNERATION AND RETIREMENT PLAN DIOCESE OF BATHURST STATUTES FEBRUARY 2014 Preamble The Vatican Council II Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Presbyterorum Ordinis) recommended that the remuneration of priests should be the same for all living in the same circumstances (n 20). It further suggested that the offerings of the faithful for the clergy be collected by a diocesan agency administered by the bishop (n 21). The year after the closure of the Council, Pope Paul VI (Motu proprio, 6 th August 1966, Ecclesiae Sanctae) issued norms for the implementation of four Council decrees, including Presbyterorum Ordinis, nn Paul VI stated that these norms should be observed ad experimentum until the Code of Canon Law, and then under revision, be promulgated. Following the norms of Ecclesiae Sanctae, the then Bishop of Bathurst, + A R E Thomas established a remuneration scheme that conformed to the intent of the Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Presyterorum Ordinis). This scheme was maintained by the next Bishop, + Patrick Dougherty and in 2002 the initial Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Plan, Diocese of Bathurst was formally promulgated by Bishop Dougherty. This formalised arrangements for all the priests in the Diocese to work together and share resources for the common good of all. It was both a principled and practical arrangement for the remuneration, sustentation and accommodation of the clergy of the Diocese of Bathurst. When the Code of Canon Law was promulgated on 25 th January 1983, these same norms were given legislative force in Canons 281 and The Plan is part of wider arrangements made by the Bishop, following the prescriptions of Canon 1274, so as to fulfil his responsibilities for the support of the clergy. Following a process of consultation during , the current Bishop of Bathurst + Michael McKenna, formally approved these Statutes and Regulations by Decree dated 20 th February Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 2

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5 ARTICLE 1 NAME AND COMPOSITION 1.1 The name of the Plan is the Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Plan, Diocese of Bathurst, hereinafter called "the Plan". The terms Clergy and Cleric mean Priests and incardinated transitional Deacons. ARTICLE 2 PURPOSES OF THE PLAN The purpose of the Plan is to provide: 2.1 Equitable and sufficient income and remuneration; 2.2 Comprehensive health care coverage for incardinated beneficiaries; 2.3 Appropriate provisions for living expenses; 2.4 Special assistance, according to need and circumstances; and 2.5 To enable the Clergy of the Diocese to provide assistance to other Clergy through the Australian Catholic Clergy Remuneration Assistance Fund (ACCRAF) or other such scheme. ARTICLE 3 MEMBERS AND BENEFICIARIES The Plan has Members and Beneficiaries. 3.1 Members of the Plan Members of the Plan are: Clerics incardinated in the Diocese and who have an appointment in the Diocese; Clerics incardinated in the Diocese and who are on domestic or international courses of study approved by the Bishop; Clerics incardinated in the Diocese whose retirement has been accepted by the Bishop. 3.2 Beneficiaries of the Plan Beneficiaries of the Plan are: All members of the Plan as defined in paragraph 3.1 above; All other Clergy permanently engaged in diocesan work; 2014 Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 4

6 3.2.3 Migrant Chaplains who have entered into an agreement with the Board; Clergy in parishes operated by religious orders, institutes or societies of apostolic life, who after consultation with the Board, may be permitted temporarily to become beneficiaries of the Plan; Such other persons as may be approved by the Board and the Bishop from time to time Parishes or Ministries staffed by members of religious orders, institutes or societies of apostolic life are not beneficiaries of the Plan, unless paragraphs or apply. ARTICLE 4 THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 4.1 The Board of Management A Board of Management (hereafter the Board ) shall administer the Plan according to the requirements of civil and canon law, these Statutes and associated Regulations. 4.2 Composition of the Board The Board shall consist of the Bishop who is President of the Plan, or his nominee, and four members, elected pursuant to the Regulations. In the event of the appointment of an Administrator to the Diocese, he will assume the role of President of the Plan for the duration of his appointment. 4.3 Duties of the Board The duties of the Board shall include the following: To administer and operate: the Pastoral Revenue Fund of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst the Sick and Infirm Priests Fund of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst, The Priests Retirement Fund of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst; To determine when and how benefits and allowances are to be paid; To keep detailed accounting of all income and expenditure, with professional assistance, if necessary; To prepare a duly audited balance sheet and profit and loss account for each financial year; To administer and operate the following bank accounts and any other accounts as may be opened by the Board from time to time and which shall be operated according to the determination of the Board. the Pastoral Revenue Fund of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst the Sick and Infirm Priests Fund of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst, 2014 Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 5

7 The Priests Retirement Fund of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst; To ensure that all monies under the control of the Board, surplus to immediate or planned requirements, are invested within the banking system, the Diocesan Development Fund, in government guaranteed securities or any modes of investment for the time being authorised by the law of the Commonwealth of Australia or the State of New South Wales, for investment of Trust Funds To convene an Annual General Meeting of Members of the Plan To interpret, prepare and update these Statutes and associated Regulations from time to time To perform other duties as may be required for the proper administration of the Plan. 4.4 Powers of the Board The administrative acts of the Board are of two kinds: a. Acts of ordinary administration may be made by the Board without any further consultation or approval. b. Acts of extraordinary administration require the consent of the President of the Plan who, at his discretion, may require the Board to seek the opinion of the members of the Plan concerning the proposed act. Acts of ordinary administration by the Board shall include the following: Payments in respect of reimbursements to parishes for quarterly pastoral revenue deficits incurred; To receive from parishes quarterly pastoral revenue surpluses; Payment of fortnightly remuneration to Clergy, for whom the Board is the payer; Payment of remuneration and expenses during illness, disablement and retirement; Payment of long service leaves for housekeepers; Short term investment of funds; Payment of health insurance premiums for incardinated Clergy; Assistance to needy clergy of other Australian dioceses; Audits of parishes or ministries in respect of the operation of pastoral revenue. 4.5 Terms of Office Members of the Board shall 2014 Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 6

8 1. take office after the annual general meeting of the year in which the election is held; and, 2. hold office for three years; and, 3. be eligible for successive re-election The Board will normally appoint one of their own numbers as Chairman, another as Secretary and another as Treasurer. However, if the situation requires it, two positions may be held by one person Occasional vacancies, including positions not filled at the election, shall be filled by a simple majority of the current members of the Board A person appointed to the Board as a result of an occasional vacancy shall submit to re-election to the Board at the next Annual General Meeting if that person wishes to continue as a member of the Board Absence of a member of the Board for three consecutive meetings without reasonable excuse, as determined by a simple majority of the remaining board members, shall result in his lapse of membership and the need for a new appointment A board member may resign from his office by giving 30 days written notice to the President of the Plan. If accepted, such resignations will lead to an occasional vacancy, and will be filled in accordance with A board member may be removed by the President of the Plan within 30 days of the receipt of a motion supported by the majority of plan members. 4.6 Meetings of the Board The Board shall meet at least once a quarter. A quorum shall be at least three members of the Board, and must include the President of the plan, or his nominee Matters requiring a decision by the Board shall be resolved by a simple majority of those present. The Chairman is entitled to the normal deliberative vote as well as a casting vote. ARTICLE 5 THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 5.1 The Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of members will be held before the end of November following the end of the financial year. 5.2 The Business of the Annual General Meeting The business of the Annual General Meeting will be: 2014 Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 7

9 5.2.1 The adoption of the chairman s report and the audited statement of income and expenditure and balance sheets of all accounts; and A reminder to all plan members of the obligation to offer an annual Mass for the living and deceased members of the plan; and Any other such business as the Board or Members may wish to introduce Written notice of any matter to be introduced must be given to the secretary at least 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. ARTICLE 6 ADMINISTRATION OF PASTORAL REVENUE 6.1 Pastoral Revenue Pastoral Revenue is the offerings made by the faithful for the support of the Clergy. The operation of and accounting for Pastoral Revenue is detailed in the Regulations. 6.2 Episcopal Sustentation Payments Episcopal sustentation is that proportion of gross pastoral revenue income which is to be paid to the Diocesan Bishop for purposes of his sustentation. Sustentation payments, at the rate determined from time to time by the Bishop, are the first charge on pastoral revenue and shall be paid in accordance with the Regulations. ARTICLE 7 REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY 7.1 Responsibility of the Board In pursuit of its objectives and purposes, the Board is responsible for the acquisition, administration and disposal of real and personal property. 7.2 Administration The Board administers such property in accordance with the requirements of civil and canon law, its Statutes and Regulations. ARTICLE 8 AMENDMENTS 8.1 Amendments to Statutes Amendments to these Statutes may be proposed by any member of the Plan through a member of the Board Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 8

10 8.1.2 The President of the Plan must approve that the amendments be put If the President of the Plan approves that the amendments be put, the Board shall submit it to all members for approval by ballot The amendments will be adopted if the amendment has received a majority of twothirds plus one of recorded votes, including postal votes, and is approved by the President of the Plan The procedures for such a ballot are included in the Regulations. 8.2 Amendment to Regulations The Regulations may be amended by the Board, with the written consent of the President of the Plan The Board will keep the beneficiaries informed concerning the amendments to the Regulations. 8.3 Conflict If a provision of these Statutes conflicts with those of the Regulations, the provision of the Statutes prevails. ARTICLE 9 ENQUIRIES, COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES 9.1 Enquiries Enquiries relating to the financial affairs of a beneficiary or the Plan should be addressed to the Treasurer All other enquiries may be addressed to any member of the Board. 9.2 Complaints A complaint must be put in writing to the secretary who will present it to the next meeting of the Board The Board will answer the complainant within 28 days of the meeting of the Board at which the complaint is considered. 9.3 Resolution of Disputes If a beneficiary wishes to appeal a decision of the Board, in the first instance the appeal will be submitted to mediation. The mediator will be someone agreed to by both parties but if there is no agreement the mediator will be appointed by the President of the Plan Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 9

11 9.3.2 If mediation is unsuccessful then subject to civil and canon law, the beneficiary or the Board may petition the President of the Plan to appoint an adjudicator to determine the dispute and the adjudicator s decision will be final and binding on both parties Nothing provided for in this article 9.3 affects any recourse available under canon law Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 10

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13 CLERGY REMUNERATION AND RETIREMENT PLAN DIOCESE OF BATHURST REGULATIONS FEBRUARY 2014 Contents CLERGY REMUNERATION AND RETIREMENT PLAN...12 SECTION 1 GENERAL REGULATIONS...13 REGULATION 1 PURPOSE OF REGULATIONS...13 REGULATION 2 ELECTION of BOARD MEMBERS...13 REGULATION 3 REMUNERATION...14 REGULATION 4 SUSTENTATION PAYMENTS...14 REGULATION 5 MEMBERS CEASING FULL TIME MINISTRY...15 SECTION 2 THE OPERATION OF THE PASTORAL REVENUE...16 REGULATION 6 PARISH PASTORAL REVENUE ACCOUNTS...16 REGULATION 7 LEGITIMATE EXPENSES ON THE PASTORAL REVENUE...16 REGULATION 8 SPECIAL SITUATIONS REGARDING EXPENSES...17 REGULATION 9 CLAIMING REIMBURSEMENTS...17 REGULATION 10 PAYMENT OF SUPPLY PRIESTS...18 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF THE SICK & INFIRM PRIESTS FUND...20 REGULATION 11 THE SICK AND INFIRM PRIESTS FUND...20 REGULATION 12 OPERATION OF SICK & INFIRM PRIESTS FUND...20 REGULATION 13 CLAIMING ON THE SICK & INFIRM PRIESTS FUND THE PROCESS Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 12

14 SECTION 1 GENERAL REGULATIONS REGULATION 1 PURPOSE OF REGULATIONS For the purposes of these Regulations, Board means the Board of Management of the Plan, as defined in the Statutes of the Plan. Plan means the Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Plan, of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst Regulations means these Regulations, or any other regulations promulgated from time to time by the Board in accordance with the Statutes, which will be deemed to form part of these Regulations. Statutes means the Statutes of the Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Plan, of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst. 1.1 These Regulations are issued by the Board to implement the Statutes of the Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Plan, of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst. 1.2 All clergy, as members of the plan, are to follow the Regulations. REGULATION 2 ELECTION of BOARD MEMBERS This Regulation implements the election process required under the Statutes, Article 4.2, 2.1 Elections for membership of the Board are to be held every three years. 2.2 As the last item of business at the Annual General Meeting, the Board will conduct elections for membership of the Board. 2.3 The conduct of the elections will occur as follows: a. The Chairman of the Board will appoint a returning officer. b. The returning officer will call for nominations from the floor of the meeting. c. Each nomination will require a second, and the agreement of the nominee. d. If the number of nominations to the Board received is less than or equal to the number of vacancies the persons nominated shall be deemed to be elected. e. If the number of nominations to the Board exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled, the returning officer will arrange for a secret ballot of members of the Plan in attendance at the meeting to be held. f. The election will be on the basis of a simple majority of those who have returned the ballot papers with a valid vote Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 13

15 g. The returning officer will inform the President of the Plan and the members of the Plan of those elected prior to the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting. 2.4 The President of the Plan will appoint those elected in accordance with this Regulation to membership of the Board, in accordance with the Statutes, Article In special circumstances and with the consent of the President of the Plan, the Board may vary any part of this regulation. REGULATION 3 REMUNERATION 3.1 Normally, remuneration for clergy is to be equivalent to the Australian Government Aged Pension Single rate. 3.2 Remuneration for clergy is adjusted on the 1 st July each year, with the adjustment based on the changes in the Federal Government single aged pension effective as at that date. 3.3 Remuneration amounts remain in whole dollars and are to be paid fortnightly from the Bathurst Diocesan Pastoral Revenue Account in accordance with Commonwealth Taxation requirements for the payment of remuneration to religious practitioners. 3.4 A member in active ministry who has reached the age of eligibility for the age pension, will apply for the age pension, and will only be paid remuneration from the Diocesan Pastoral Revenue to the extent that the remuneration exceeds the amount received from the Federal Government in relation to that pension. 3.5 With the consent of the Bishop, the Board may vary this formula and propose another amount for remuneration. REGULATION 4 SUSTENTATION PAYMENTS This Regulation implements arrangements for the payment of Episcopal sustentation, mentioned in the Statutes, Article The Episcopal sustentation rate has been determined by the Bishop to be a maximum of 15% of the gross pastoral revenue income for parishes and ministries which are part of the Plan. 4.2 At the end of every quarter (i.e. March, June, September & December), the Board shall calculate the amount of Episcopal sustentation to be paid from the deposits noted in the parish quarterly Pastoral Revenue returns made by parishes to the Chancery Office, and transfer this amount from the Bathurst Diocesan Pastoral Revenue Account to the Diocese of Bathurst Cathedraticum account. The quarterly returns are to be received by the 17 th of the month following the end of the quarter Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 14

16 REGULATION 5 MEMBERS CEASING FULL TIME MINISTRY 5.1 When a Member ceases full-time ministry, the Board shall make arrangements to assist with his support as the need arises. 5.2 In determining these arrangements, the Board will take into account the beneficiary s entitlements and benefits including entitlements under the social welfare provisions of civil law and any provisions or arrangements that the diocese has for the support of the clergy A Member who has reached the age of eligibility for the age pension or who, with the approval of the Bishop, has retired from office shall access whatever Government benefits may be available to him according to his circumstances. The Board shall consider payment of personal allowances negotiable with the Board to members who have reached the age of eligibility for the age pension or who have retired from office to an amount that will not prejudice the member s receipt of as full a pension as he may be able to obtain For Members who are not eligible for any pension, the Board shall consider payment of personal allowances negotiable with the Board For retired Members, the Board shall consider payment of a proportionate car allowance, to assist in depreciation and insurance purposes Where a retired Member chooses to reside in a presbytery an amount will be calculated annually by the Board to provide for the members use of the accommodation, consumption of gas and electricity, and any other relevant expenses, and paid quarterly to the relevant parish working account Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 15

17 SECTION 2 THE OPERATION OF THE PASTORAL REVENUE The following Regulations implement the Statutes, Article 6.1 REGULATION 6 PARISH PASTORAL REVENUE ACCOUNTS 6.1 Each parish shall operate an interest bearing account with the CDF specifically named: [Name of Parish] Pastoral Revenue Account. The parochial district name of the parish as shown in the Australian Catholic Directory shall precede the words: Pastoral Revenue Account. 6.2 The Parish Pastoral Revenue Account shall be operated and administered by the Pastor, according to these Statutes and Church law. 6.3 The person authorised to operate the Parish Pastoral Revenue Account shall be the cleric authorised by the Bishop, or an appropriately authorised delegate of that cleric. 6.4 The following income, from whatever source, must be paid into the Parish Pastoral Revenue Account and can only be used for the purposes authorised in Regulation 7. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) All first collections. All Christmas and Easter dues and any other dues. 50% offerings on the occasion of marriages and baptism. 50% of funeral offerings REGULATION 7 LEGITIMATE EXPENSES ON THE PASTORAL REVENUE The following are legitimate expenses claimable on the Pastoral Revenue. 7.1 Food and Beverages This includes all food, drink, and newspaper expenses If GST is paid on any of the items in Regulation 7.2.1, then Input Tax Credits should be claimed back, provided appropriate receipts are held. The payment is to be recorded appropriately 7.2 Housekeeping Expenses This includes all housekeeping expenses for cooks and cleaners (living quarters only), including salaries, PAYG withholding tax, statutory leave entitlements and any superannuation required to be paid to these employees Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 16

18 7.2.2 It is the responsibility of the parish priest or parish administrator to ensure that necessary information for the payment of housekeepers via the CDF Central Payroll Service is submitted by the appropriate due date. 7.3 Power Expenses This includes gas and electricity expenses for the living quarters of the clergy only As GST is paid on gas and electricity, payments are to be recorded appropriately. 7.4 Remuneration for parish Clergy All clergy are remunerated through the CDF Central Payroll Service and payment is charged to the Diocesan Pastoral Revenue Account. 7.5 Remuneration for Religious Order or Institute Supply priests This is for the payments of remuneration to religious order or institute priests who provide a supply to the parish, and the proper payment of these are further detailed in Regulation,10.1 which is to be strictly adhered to Priests who do not belong to a religious order or institute, including Diocesan Priests either of Bathurst diocese or another diocese, must be paid in accordance with Regulation 10.2 REGULATION 8 SPECIAL SITUATIONS REGARDING EXPENSES 8.1 Water rates, garbage charges, phone expenses, lawn maintenance and other expenses incurred in the running of the presbytery, i.e. where the Priests live, which have not been specifically included in Regulation 7 are a charge on the Parish Church or Working account, and not on the Pastoral Revenue. 8.2 Where the parish offices and clergy living quarters are in the same building, then expenses, such as cleaning and electricity will need to be shared proportionately. Thus, for example, it is not legitimate that the pastoral revenue should be charged the whole of the electricity bill in such a situation. 8.3 It is the responsibility of the parish priest or parish administrator to determine the proportion mentioned in Regulation 8.2, but this proportion must be realistic and fair, as demanded by his role of financial oversight of the parish. REGULATION 9 CLAIMING REIMBURSEMENTS 9.1 At the end of the month, or as soon as practicable, having reconciled the Pastoral Revenue Account using the MYOB programme, the parish priest (or parish secretary) is to make available the monthly Income and Expenditure Statement, GST Report and reconciled bank 2014 Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 17

19 statement to the Diocesan Financial Administrator for inclusion in the monthly Chancery BAS for submission to the Australian Taxation Office for reimbursement of GST. 9.2 Within fourteen (14) days of the end of each financial quarter, a statement of income and expenditure of the parish Pastoral Revenue for that quarter shall be made available to the board in the format approved by the Board from time to time Any surplus shall be forwarded by cheque and made payable to the Diocesan Pastoral Revenue Fund together with the statement mentioned above. (i) Any deficit shall be reimbursed to the Parish Pastoral Revenue Account by a cheque drawn on the Diocesan Pastoral Revenue Fund on receipt of the quarterly statement. (ii) Advances may be made from the Diocesan Pastoral Revenue Fund on written request. Such advances should be shown on the next returns as income received, but should not be included in the estimate for sustentation. (iii) All cheque butts and CDF statements and other financial records relating to the Parish Pastoral Revenue Account shall be retained for at least five years. REGULATION 10 PAYMENT OF SUPPLY PRIESTS This Regulation clarifies the arrangements associated with the payment of priests who provide supply in a parish as noted in Regulation For those clergy who belong to a religious order or an institute This relates to clergy who belong to a religious order or institute, and who provide a supply to the parish on weekends or weekdays The parish priest or parish administrator can pay the amount of the supply directly to the religious order or institute (not in the name of the priest who supplies) from the Parish Pastoral Revenue Account The cheque must be made out to the religious order or institute, and not the individual priest. There should be no exceptions to this rule under any circumstances because this could provide difficulties with the Australian Taxation Office For clergy belonging to a diocese, including the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst or not attached to a religious order or institute This relates to clergy who are incardinated in a diocese, including the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst or belong to a religious order or institute, and who provide a supply to the parish on weekends or weekdays Because there may be PAYG withholding tax implications, supply Priests who do not belong to a religious order or institute must be paid by the Board Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 18

20 The remuneration to be paid to supply Priests living in the parish presbytery is set at a daily rate of 1/14 of the fortnightly amount determined in accordance with Reg The remuneration to be paid to supply Priests who do not reside within the parish presbytery is to be in accordance with the following scale: 1 Mass $55; 2 Masses $75; 3 or more Masses $100 per week, being a 7 day period commencing at 7am each Saturday Travelling expenses associated with supply Priests at the rate current at the time of the travel, and in accordance with the Recommended Ministerial Stipends for Religious Supply Priests, as annually published by Catholic Religions Australia to be claimed from the Parish Account The Board will arrange for payment of the remuneration to the bank account of the supply Priest, or if the Priest belongs to a religious order or institute, to the bank account of his religious order or institute Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 19

21 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF THE SICK & INFIRM PRIESTS FUND The following Regulations implement the Statutes, Article REGULATION 11 THE SICK AND INFIRM PRIESTS FUND 11.1 The Sick and Infirm Priests Fund exists to assist members of the Plan to meet the shortfall which occurs in relation to expenses associated with medical, hospital, optical or dental matters Discretionary powers are allowed to the Board for exceptional cases not covered by Reg REGULATION 12 OPERATION OF SICK & INFIRM PRIESTS FUND 12.1 The Board will maintain membership of a recognised Health Insurance Scheme for all members of the Sick and Infirm Priests Fund Members may apply to the Board for assistance in meeting expenses associated with medical, hospital, optical or dental matters, which are not recoverable from any health insurance scheme or otherwise Members may not receive any reimbursement in excess of actual expenses incurred in connection with a claim and shall provide such information by way of accounts and receipts as the Board may require Members shall not claim against the Sick and Infirm Priests Fund for expenses which would have been recoverable from the Health Insurance Fund Decisions concerning the payment of any claims on the Sick and Infirm Priests Fund shall be in the absolute discretion of the Board which should, but shall not be obliged to, give reasons for its decisions. REGULATION 13 CLAIMING ON THE SICK & INFIRM PRIESTS FUND THE PROCESS 13.1 The first step is always to claim any expenses back from Medicare and the Health Insurance Fund On receipt of such refunds, should the member be still out of pocket, all original documents (including bills and statements of refund) are to be sent to the Board, using the approved claim form, by the 31 st March each year The Board shall ensure that the Fund reimburses any expenses in accordance with these Regulations either by cheque or by electronic funds transfer or any other means Clergy Remuneration and Retirement Statutes.doc 20

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